Spring
in the Mature Years
EXPLORE THE WESLEYAN UNDERSTANDING OF SALVATION THROUGH GRACE.
In The Wesleyan Journey: A Workbook on Salvation, beloved pastor and author Maxie Dunnam invites readers to Long Distance spend time every day exploring Wesley’s understanding of Bicycle Touring salvation through prayer, study, and reflection.
Based on John Wesley’s theology and the Bible’s teaching on Celebrate what it means to be saved, this workbook will help readers Earth Day consider anew God’s ever-present grace, the experience of acceptance, pardon, and forgiveness, and the lifelong journey to become more Christ-like. The Practice of Listening Through eight weeks, each with seven days of content for Prayer prayer and self-reflection, Dunnam leads us through Wesley’s understanding of salvation in the Bible, helping us see that full salvation is not a one-time experience of redemption but a Bible Lessons: lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus every day. Life
Learn more at AbingdonPress.com/WesleyanJourney RELIGION/Christian Education/Adult $12.49 ISBN-13: 978-1-5018-7696-7
9781501876967_CVR_cover.indd All Pages 11/1/19 10:03 AM FREE PODCAST!
in the Mature Years in the Mature Years
Vol. 52, No. 3 Spring 2020
Editorial/Design Team Rachel Mullen, Editor Diana Hynson, Editor of Bible Lessons Ed Maksimowicz, Designer Julie P. Glass, Production Editor GREAT COMPANION Administrative Staff RESOURCE TO CHRISTIAN Rev. Brian K. Milford, President and Publisher LIVING’S BIBLE LESSONS! Marjorie M. Pon, Associate Publisher and Editor, Church School Publications
Let's Talk About the Bible is a show CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE MATURE YEARS (ISSN 2639-8931) is published quarterly by Abingdon Press, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., that promises to do exactly what the Nashville, TN 37228-1306. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville, TN, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to title says: talk about the Bible. Each CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE MATURE YEARS, 2222 Rosa L. Parks month, Rachel Hagewood and Ben Blvd., Nashville, TN 37228-1306. Howard will get together for an Copyright © 2019 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise noted, are from in-depth look at a dierent concept the Common English Bible, copyright 2011. Used by permission. All rights from the Bible. They'll read Scripture, reserved. talk theology, bounce ideas o of each Scripture quotations referred to as Amplified Bible, Classic Edition are from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, other, and do their best to make you 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org think and make you laugh. In between For permission to reprint any material in this publication, call 615-749-6421, or write to Permissions Office, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., these biblical deep-dives, Rachel and Nashville, TN 37228-1306. Email: [email protected]. Ben will be joined by a dierent guest All Web addresses were correct and operational at the time of publication. each month to explore these concepts To order copies of this publication, call toll free: 800-672-1789. Use your from a dierent, and occasionally Cokesbury account, American Express, Visa, Discover, or Mastercard. unusual, angle. CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE MATURE YEARS is designed to help persons in and nearing the retirement years understand and appropriate the resources of the Christian faith in dealing with specific problems and opportunities related to aging. Listen to the first two episodes at Cover Photo: Shutterstock LetsTalkAboutTheBible.com, and then
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Features 8 All God’s Creatures 10 10 In the Saddle: Stories from a Bicycle Seat 14 Earth Day: Caretakers of Creation 18 5 Tips for Planting and Caring for Trees This Arbor Day 20 Come As You Are 23 I’m Only Superhuman on Tuesdays 24 Listening Prayer: An Introduction 28 Choosing a Grandparent Name You’ll Love 30 Ancient Dead Sea Salt: A Permanent Covenant 32 How to Create a Smoky Cubano Sandwich 30 34 Sustainable Eating Made Easy 36 The Wonderful Land of Oz: Australia’s Tropics 40 We’ve Come All This Way 42 Must We Always Get Our Way? 43 Waiting for Test Results (And Other Scary News) 46 God’s Driving Lessons 48 Blood Clot Risk Factors 51 5 Tips to Reduce Litter and Protect the Oceans 36 Bible Lessons 53 Life In Every Issue 2 Bookshelf 3 Chaplain’s Corner 4 Fragments of Life 49 Puzzle Time 52 Bible Verse: Psalm 36:5-9 96 Merry-go-round
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The Grace of Les Misérables authority, define leadership in their own ways, and rise to the episcopacy. Their stories reveal how these clergywomen by Matt Rawle changed the church, blazing leadership trails both before and after their elections. The hit Broadway musical, Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s This book shares inspirational stories and pivotal moments 1862 novel, is one of the longest- that illustrate how these women managed the complexities running musicals in the world. This of family, faith, and authority. Through their histories, women profound story of Jean Valjean’s quest bishops have made––and will continue to make––both for redemption and a changed life has realized and unrealized differences in The United Methodist inspired audiences to ponder themes of Church. justice, poverty, freedom, and love. In keeping with his previous works, The Walk: Five Essential Matt Rawle brings us to the intersection of church and pop culture by drawing parallels between the popular story and Practices of the Christian Life the life of Jesus, another revolutionary who shared a gospel by Adam Hamilton of justice for those on the margins of life, and in turn, a sacrificial life with the least of us all. How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully
serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus The Passion Play: Living the modeled for us the Christian spiritual Story of Christ’s Last Days life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through by Rob Fuquay the last two thousand years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life. With few exceptions, the Oberammergau Passion play has been In The Walk, Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential presented by the inhabitants of the spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus’ own walk with village of Oberammergau in Bavaria, God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these Germany, every ten years since 1634. practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ, The play is a staging of Jesus’ Passion while also being an essential part of growing together in the story, covering the final period of his church. life, from his visit to Jerusalem to the journey to the cross. Christ Is for Us: Scriptures for In his new book and study, The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ’s Last Days, author and pastor Rob Fuquay the Church Seasons—Lent follows the biblical story of the Passion and how it has been by April Yamasaki experienced through the centuries against the backdrop of this amazing play. Christ Is for Us invites readers to explore God’s saving and redeeming love through a seven-week study of Women Bishops the Scripture readings for Lent and Easter. Key Bible passages call us to of The United Methodist embrace God’s salvation and the new Church: Extraordinary Gifts life offered to us through Christ. of the Spirit This study includes commentary and by Margaret Ann Crain and reflection on readings from the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the Epistles. It offers the opportunity to explore these Sharon Zimmerman Rader Bible readings in a seven-session study. It will help readers understand, appreciate, and engage in meaningful and Bishop Sharon Zimmerman life-changing spiritual practices and offer gratitude for God’s Rader and Dr. Margaret Ann Crain salvation through Jesus Christ. interviewed the women bishops of The United Methodist Church, the first denomination to elect women to the episcopacy. Through the stories they collected, they learned what enabled these women to persevere, claim
Read sample chapters and find more information at AbingdonPress.com
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9781501876967_INT_2 to 3 BS.indd 2 11/1/19 11:10 AM The Biggest Star to the Smallest Seed BY ROBERT H. SPAIN
n TV last night, I watched a program must break free of its hard, old, protective on the cosmos. Our universe and coating and make itself vulnerable to its new those that exist beyond our realm of possibility. This alone is a battle many seeds Orecognition boggle my mind. The extrasolar never accomplish. It must then fight its way systems are so far beyond me that I cannot out of the darkness. The same darkness that even begin to grasp either the place or activity nurtured it can now kill it if it does not find of them. All of us have studied the basics of light. Once in the light, it basks until it is our solar system; but after the introductory desperate for water to drink, water to live, level things, it is beyond my comprehension. perhaps one might say living water. Then it There is a lot I don’t understand. It’s not must marshal all of its resources to grow each just the big things floating around in some and every day, despite the bugs, the critters, kind of a sky that I don’t comprehend; it’s and the elements that would hold it back or little things that I have been around all my take such a toll it might die. And this means life. Much of it relates to the natural world of changing every single day. If it is ever static, it which we are a part. will die. I used to be a gardener—more than making This week I am enjoying the gorgeous, a trip to the local nurseries where they come colorful peonies. A while ago, they were “ready-made.” I like to start things from only thin stalks emerging from the winter seeds—sometimes tiny seeds. I know they sleep. Quickly, they grew with buds, some are just “little ole seeds” collected from spent the size of golf balls; and with a day or two blossoms. But in every seed there is a vast of sun, they exploded to four or six inches of potential of life that is unrevealed, hidden unfolding beauty. How can this be? How can away. Who could ever guess from that one such beauty and color come from a buried minuscule seed would come a long reaching root? vine or a flower of fragrance and color and It makes me wonder what the good Lord beauty? Each seed is a hidden secret waiting to wanted me to look like and be like when I reveal its true nature. became a mature plant. I also know when I plant a seed that I am committing it to a struggle. It is not Robert H. Spain is a retired United Methodist without effort that a seed becomes a plant bishop and former chaplain of The United and ultimately a harvest. First, the seed Methodist Publishing House.
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White Swans BY MARION TURNBULL ne lovely summer’s morning, I walked know I became a child of God and received God’s alongside the river in Buckingham, life. But am I like God? Sometimes I know I am England. Two shining white swans sailed very far from being like Jesus, but I am encouraged Omajestically along on the river—big, beautiful birds. to believe his promise that, one day, I shall be like Father and mother swans were followed by three him. God works from the inside out. I need to almost-full-grown young swans, still covered in dull, keep my eyes looking to Jesus, and allow God’s life, gray feathers. invested in me when I received God’s Son, to grow All swans (the mute variety) in the UK technically and mature. And maturing is a day-to-day process, belong to the Queen, thanks to a twelfth-century as God takes us through life as it is and not always as law, and are protected. But they are quite wild, we would like it to be. swimming or flying from river to river or lake. A few days later, I walked again by the river and A little boy and his mother were standing on a passed by the young swans. Looking closely, I saw bridge watching them, and I joined them on the white feathers showing through the gray. One raised bridge. his wings, which were growing bigger and more “The little swans look very dirty,” said the boy. powerful each day, and flapped them vigorously. “Why aren’t they white?” A few of the old feathers flew off, and more white “They will be white one day. When they’re appeared. His beak, which had been almost black properly grown up, they’ll be white like their when he was younger, was changing into bright parents,” explained his mother. gold, like his father’s. The boy frowned as he peered at the swans. “Dear friends,” says the apostle John, “now we are “But—how does the white get on?” God’s children, and it hasn’t yet appeared what we Chuckling to myself, I walked on, thinking, Well, will be. We know that when he appears we will be how? The white feathers will grow naturally, out of like him because we’ll see him as he is. And all who the life of the young swan. The life is there; all he has have this hope in him purify themselves even as he is to do is live it and grow up. pure” (1 John 3:2-3). So, how does a Christian get to be like his One day when we see him, we shall be like him. Lord? As I continued along the path into town, I What an encouraging thought! remembered the time when I received the Lord Jesus. There and then, I
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9781501876967_INT_4 to 7 FRAG.indd 4 11/1/19 11:12 AM k Fragments of Life
Barefoot for Blessings BY ALLISON WILSON LEE
should really paint my toenails before church myself, and my church community seemed a likely tomorrow, I thought one Saturday night. I group to recruit for the project. had good reason to ensure my nails looked With my pastor’s approval, I set up a big Ipresentable: I planned to attend church services the cardboard box in the children’s Sunday school next day without shoes. area where shoes could be dropped off. I wanted Although I’d spent every summer of my my Sunday morning announcement about the childhood as a country kid running around barefoot, shoe drive to have an impact, so I decided to do even going without shoes to the grocery store on it without shoes, hoping my barefoot presence at occasion, I’d never showed up at church without church would remind our congregation of how shoes—at least, not since I’d learned to walk. much we take shoes for granted. Living in Florida, Now, as an adult, I would make my first foray into I didn’t have to worry about traversing barefoot barefoot church attendance. through snow or freezing weather. And I didn’t have Several years ago, I connected with a woman via to walk to church, so my feet got only slightly dirty Craigslist who collected all manner of items to send in the process. to an impoverished village in Honduras. Lucinda People paid attention. Our small congregation had a relationship with some healthcare providers collected over 120 pairs of shoes. Not long before from the US who ran a clinic in this village, and Christmas that year, I contacted Lucinda and asked they told her how the people there need almost if she could come retrieve them from my house. everything. “Oh, yeah . . . I know what it’s like to try and In particular, they need shoes. One summer, I store hundreds of pairs of shoes,” she chuckled. Soon helped clean and prep more than one hundred pairs after, she and her husband showed up with a pick-up to go in a shipping container (along with bikes and truck to haul the footwear back to their house. From toilets) to the Honduran village. But Lucinda had there, the shoes made it on a plane and then to gathered all of those; I only wiped them and then Honduras. rubber-banded them together for transport. I wanted to encourage my faith family to be Now, I wanted to make a bigger contribution to cheerful givers of shoes that fall, and I felt cheerful these villagers. I wanted to organize a shoe collection going barefoot so I could motivate them to give.
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ButterfliesBY REV. RITA HAYS f all God’s beautiful creation, butterflies this ugly being—head bald as a baby bird’s, body dazzle me the most. On a spring morning, scarred and worn out from worry and fatigue, they quietly flutter around me on delicate tongue with taste buds the flavor of metallic—poor, Owings of grace. Sitting outside on a sunny afternoon, pathetic Rita. And out of the depth of the pit of butterflies delight me when they softly land on my despair, I cried out like the psalmist, “Help me, wrist, remaining only for fleeting moments, but Lord! I long to know you have not forgotten your lingering long enough to proudly show off their child. Give me a signal of your healing mercy and vivid colors and calm manner. They gladly decorate love.” my yard with rainbow hues. Yet, God remained silent. My friend, Lori, and I share a passion for these Or so it seemed. majestic creatures. When I was diagnosed with Until I ventured outside. breast cancer a few years ago, she gifted me with And looking in my garden, I spied more all things butterflies: pins, scarves, writing paper, butterflies than I could possibly count. Never had notepads, pens, magnets, and books. Then, when I, nor have I since, observed such a large number at Lori suffered with throat cancer, I returned the one time and place. Dancing from flower to flower, favor. We kept our spirits alive and our hopes delighted to worship their Creator, these soothing rekindled through our offerings to each other. These creatures dared me not to notice the multitude precious mementos provided strength and courage, of them. And to view them as none other than a along with cementing our abiding friendship. powerful sign, a message from their Maker. Intended The butterfly, a symbol of new life, took on deep just for me, only for me. significance and purpose for us. Our faith, put to In the darkest of times, in the most difficult the test during those trying times of chemotherapy situations of life, Emmanuel God comes. and radiation—along with their unpleasant side God arrives, bringing a manifestation of abiding effects—refused to waver for very long whenever the presence. As do the butterflies—gently rising up, butterflies appeared. joyfully soaring—lifted by the mighty winds of And they did. resurrection into the great beyond. One gorgeous summer day, I sat inside, feeling sorry for myself. Why me, Lord? I thought. Look at
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9781501876967_INT_4 to 7 FRAG.indd 6 11/1/19 11:12 AM k Fragments of Life A Bunch of Sparrows BY KATHY BUNSE
ur yard is a year-round buffet for birds, thanks to my husband. There’s suet for woodpeckers, niger seed for finches, mixed Oseed suitable for many kinds of birds, and sugar water for hummingbirds. He even designed a heated fountain/birdbath so birds can stay hydrated in winter. All these props and provisions set the stage for avian entertainment outside our kitchen window. “Anything interesting out there?” my husband asked as he peered out the window one morning. “Just a bunch of sparrows,” I replied. After taking a closer look, he said, “Actually, there are several kinds of sparrows under the clothesline. Most of them are house sparrows, but I see a few white-crowned sparrows and a Harris’s sparrow. Harris’s sparrows are rare around here.” He grabbed his copy of Roger Tory Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies and returned to the window. I followed, with interest. “Here is the white-crowned sparrow,” he said, pointing to a handsome bird with bold black- and-white stripes on its head. “This is the Harris’s sparrow,” he continued, indicating a bird with a glossy black head and a body streaked with black, white, and brown. While watching sparrows in the yard and perusing the twelve pages of drawings and descriptions in the field guide, I decided that sparrows are just as interesting as cardinals or finches. Their markings identify them by type and sex. Their behaviors display their individuality. No two are exactly alike. Each is a unique and valuable part of creation. “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them is overlooked by God” (Luke 12:6).
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9781501876967_INT_4 to 7 FRAG.indd 7 11/1/19 11:12 AM All God’s Creatures By Rev. Rita Hayes
hey do not always come two by two, as God placed all of us in the role as caregivers of they did during the days of caretaker Noah, God’s wonderful world. Caring for the pets and when the animals boarded the ark. Yet, they animals, advocating for animal rights and ethical Tgather, along with their owners—each a modern- treatment, and mentoring good stewardship for day Noah—who considers his or her pet nothing future generations comes not only as a God- less than a family member. Here they are welcomed ordained duty, but an honor as well. God entrusts us into the safety and comfort of the holy grounds on and expects us to copartner in bringing about justice which the ark of the church stands. They arrive, a and righteousness that encompasses all of the created menagerie of God’s creatures: cats, dogs, turtles, order. How, as senior adults, might we fulfill this guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, horses, snakes, and challenge? even a tarantula spider named Elvira. They wait, often impatiently, for a prayer of protection and • Advocate for a Blessing of the Animals Service favor given by one of the pastors at our annual in your congregation, your community, your Blessing of the Animals Service. We bless animals retirement home, or in an assisted-living facility. in recognition of our call to care for all of God’s Resources may be found in The United Methodist creation and our responsibility as stewards of God’s Hymnal, The United Methodist Book of Worship, or good earth. online. Services are most often scheduled during It all started several years ago, when a senior October in recognition of St. Francis of Assisi, the adult in my congregation lost her beloved poodle patron saint of animals. Take into account weather to cancer. As she was a widow, her pet provided her conditions, such as hot, cold, rainy, or snowy much-needed daily companionship. At his death, seasons. she grieved deeply. She asked if we might gather for • Seek ways to allow retirement communities and a funeral for this beloved dog. I suggested, instead, assisted-living facilities to invite animals for visits. a Service of Remembrance, based upon the Blessing Many senior adults living in these fondly remember of the Animals Service approved by our United a favorite pet, but are perhaps now unable to care Methodist church. for an animal. They appreciate the opportunity to We gathered on the farm where Max was buried, stroke a dog, hold a cat, or view various species. read the Creation Scriptures from the Book of Studies have proven that a relationship with Genesis, sang a hymn of praise to Creator God, animals reduces one’s blood pressure level, calms prayed, and shared words of remembrance. This stress, and improves other medical maladies. brief service brought great comfort to my friend. Recognizing the importance of pets in family life, I vowed to hold a Blessing of the Animals Service each year in the congregation where I pastored.
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• If you live in a neighborhood with pets or in a that the covenant given to Noah when he, his family, retirement community that allows animals, get to and the two-by-two animals spilled out of the ark know them and their pet owners. onto dry land was not just for humans. That pledge encompassed all living things: “I am now setting up • Invite therapy animals to your church, retirement my covenant with you, with your descendants, and community, or assisted-living facility. Find ways to with every living being with you—with the show appreciation to police dogs, therapy animals, birds, with the large animals, and with search dogs, and work animals. all the animals of the earth, leaving • Teach your grandchildren and great-grandchildren the ark with you” (Genesis 9:9-10). respect for animals. Take them on a tour of a As descendants of the covenant, petting zoo or farm. Read books about animals. we are all in the same boat (ark) Talk with them about the pets you had growing together. Yet, God appointed each up and your responsibility toward those animals. of us as a present-day Noah. God offers Show them the proper way to treat animals, redemption for all creation, but we must especially safety measures when confronting stray accept our task, along with our Maker, to turn or unfamiliar animals. Teach children to never pet that promise into a reality. any animal without asking permission, especially a For further information on a Blessing of the Animals therapy dog. Service or Service of Remembrance for a pet, contact the • Comfort a child on the death of a pet. Remind the author at [email protected]. child that Creator God takes care of all creation, even after death. Rita Hays is an ordained deacon in the Tennessee Conference and serves as Associate Pastor at Matthews Memorial United While we as a United Methodist church do not Methodist Church in Madison, Tennessee. She has authored have a theological statement concerning the “souls” of several books and written curriculum resources for the Upper animals, our founder John Wesley strongly believed Room and United Methodist Publishing. that animals would be included in the new creation, along with plants and other parts of God’s design. Furthermore, a careful reading of Genesis confirms
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9781501876967_INT_8 to 9.indd 9 11/1/19 11:14 AM In the Saddle: Stories from a Bicycle Seat By Tim Bishop
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9781501876967_INT_10 to 13.indd 10 11/1/19 10:17 AM Transitions Create Opportunities Ocean and joined them there. Our plan was to cycle fter thirty years behind a desk, I was ready east until either we didn’t want to or we couldn’t for a change. I left a long-term job at age continue on. That might be to an airport in a few A52 with no intentions of retiring, unaware weeks to fly back to ordinary life or, if all went well, of how my work transition would create unique much farther, until Debbie had to return to school opportunities to touch—and be touched by—the in the fall. Little did we know what lay ahead. world. We’ve since bicycled over twelve thousand miles It started with marriage to my spirited and on six bicycle tours throughout America and lived to adventuresome wife. Debbie, also a lifelong single tell about it. Our adventures have returned countless at age 52, brought enough moxie to my life that we benefits. We’ve grown closer; created lifelong embarked on a grand adventure for our honeymoon. memories; and reinvigorated our minds, bodies, and We shipped two touring bicycles to the Pacific souls. Good for the Mind If you want to clear the clutter from your brain, hop on a bicycle for a few hours. Better yet, do so in the Pacific Northwest, where sparkling mountain streams and lush evergreen forests will escort you to a world much different from the one you left. Let the sound of trickling water, the gentle breeze, the wafting scents of pine and spruce, and the enthralling sights mesmerize you. Think of how blessed you will be to revel in God’s fantastic handiwork. Traveling by bicycle is not for only young muscles and free spirits. It has been the perfect form of travel for us. For decades, I was trapped. A corporate career had prevented me from exploring the physical world around me. Discovering it from the seat of a bicycle has given Debbie and me cherished memories. For example, we cycled riverside to the head of Niagara Falls on our honeymoon and crested 9,600-foot Powder River Pass in Bighorn National Forest five years ago. With a more flexible schedule, you can invest time in cycling adventures like these. A sleeping bag and a small tent may not be as inviting as they once were. Neither do bicycle seats get any softer as we age. However, these temporary discomforts became worthy sacrifices for intimate encounters with America, as we cleansed our minds of the minutia of daily living. Traveling more slowly than by car, train, or plane helped bond us with our surroundings and to the One who made them. Savoring the rewards of bicycle touring with a special friend redeemed its challenges. Any sort of travel is educational. I know more about America now than I ever could have discovered cooped up in an office or tending the www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 11
9781501876967_INT_10 to 13.indd 11 11/1/19 10:17 AM yard at home. We’ve cycled hundreds of miles spirit of adventure. We’ve had free meals and through history along the Lewis and Clark Trail, accommodations in people’s homes; offers to drive witnessed the bizarre rock formations in the us somewhere; and people stopping roadside to give Badlands, rode past Mount Vernon on our way to us a drink, hear some tales from our journey, and the Lincoln Memorial, and read countless historical share local information. markers on roads all over the country. Our travels Two months after departing on our honeymoon, have given us a better appreciation for the Civil War, we arrived in Maine with new physiques. With legs as well as the economies and living conditions in like rocks, we had lost any excess fat that dared cling various parts of America. A field trip to places you’ve to our well-traveled bodies. While we had started never gone before will teach you as much about our journey with reasonable fitness, we ended it in them as hours in the library. On the way, you’ll even the best shape of our lives, despite ingesting copious learn more about yourself. The world atop a bicycle calories to keep pedaling along the way. transcends the one where we live. Yes, as we neared journey’s end, we’d paid a price for tougher behinds unsusceptible to saddle sores. Good for the Body However, we could cycle hours on end without The health benefits of cycling are whopping. My difficulty, only to want more of it the next morning. family’s medical history and my high cholesterol After all, a brand-new world was beckoning. have encouraged me to stay active. Cycling five to eight hours a day redefines the word active. Good for the Soul At first, I wasn’t sure how Debbie and I would Prepared and emboldened by our honeymoon tour handle long days in the saddle. I had never seen the four years earlier, in 2014 Debbie and I launched Rocky Mountains, and certainly not by bicycle, so into a cross-country tour to raise awareness and I didn’t know what to expect. Our touring bicycles funds for a ministry we supported. This time, we were designed for heavy loads. Among other items, would go all out. The honeymoon joyride was we carried tools and replacement parts, food, history. Instead, we treated this tour as a job, albeit clothes, camping equipment, and a computer. While with great perks. In addition to cycling sixty miles a climbing with extra weight initially intimidated me, day, we actively engaged people we met and others we had underestimated our abilities. The low gears online through daily blog posts. Periodically, we and riding stability of our bicycles were not only pitched media in upcoming cities. forgiving but also inviting. After a short adjustment When we arrived in Sioux City, Iowa, 2,300 period, we were hooked. Today, I would rather ride miles into the trip, we had “hit the wall” with an that bicycle loaded than empty. overuse injury. However, two weeks of prayer and Camping in the wild also triggered anxiety. rest brought a result that defied the local doctor. Ultimately, though, it only enhanced the touring It was a miracle! The good work God had begun experience. Debbie and I will never forget the night in us a month earlier was not complete. We would we had to find a makeshift campsite on a twilight encounter God’s activity repeatedly in the many climb in Idaho. Such a beautiful and limitless array miles to come. of stars we had never seen. Another 2,100 miles later, with $22,000.00 in When you travel by bicycle as we have, people pledges for our cause, we reached journey’s end. come to your aid quickly and enthusiastically. We dismounted our bicycles with so many “God Helping seems to provide catharsis for their moments” that we would have been remiss not
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9781501876967_INT_10 to 13.indd 12 11/1/19 10:17 AM to share them with the world. Fifty-two “life lessons” spilled out of our souls onto the pages of Wheels of Wisdom, a devotional that has captured four first-place book awards. Where would those stories have come from had we not encountered them on the road? Touching the World People have traveled vicariously across America and beyond through many books on the subject. As good as those books can be, however, they can’t replace the experience of pushing yourself, connecting with nature, and allowing God more access to shape you as you explore God’s magnificent creation. Leaving behind conventional work models can provide the flexibility to pursue new interests. Bicycle travel offers a slow burn of multiple stimuli to the human senses. Gone are the noise, stuffiness, and restraint of the close confines of faster modes of transportation. The relaxed pace You can also learn more from our books and our promotes deeper immersion. The personal challenge website, www.openroadpress.com. We published a will strengthen your capabilities and bolster your print version of Bicycle Touring How-To: What We confidence. Learned. It targets newcomers to the sport. So, consider expanding your horizons. Ride You can convert a dream to a decision in a split into another world on the seat of a bicycle. It will second and begin cycling across America only two inspire you. In turn, you can touch others even more months later. We’re living proof. See you on the effectively. You won’t regret the adventure. road! How to Get Started At age 52, Tim Bishop left a successful career as a corporate If you’re interested in exploring bicycle travel fur- treasurer, married his dream girl, and embarked with her to ther, check out Adventure Cycling Association’s parts unknown—on bicycles! The Bishops then coauthored (ACA) website at www.adventurecycling.org. ACA the award-winning, Wheels of Wisdom. In addition to his is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, writing and publishing endeavors, Tim volunteers online as empower, and connect people to travel by bicycle. a Hope Coach for young people who are struggling with life It publishes turn-by-turn maps of bicycle routes issues. throughout the United States.
www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 13
9781501876967_INT_10 to 13.indd 13 11/1/19 10:18 AM Earth Day: Caretakers of Creation By Mary Ekstrand
hen my mother turned one hundred years old, I found myself wondering Wwhat memories would stay in my mind as I got older and more confined. Certainly, family and friends and major events, but what would be the other colored photos in my mind? I knew immediately. It’s what I remember at the end of each day with gratitude—glimpsing a hummingbird in the Abelia bush through the front window. Harvesting our first crop of peaches. Glancing up when walking to see an eagle circling low above me. That vivid green color in the spring when the trees have just budded. And then the fall colors—and feeling the crunch of leaves underneath my feet. I glissaded down a glacier once at night. I can still see the dark mountains around me in the moonlight and smell the very fresh, cold air, fresher air than I had ever smelled. It was so very silent. None of us exists separately from all of God’s creation. We’re in this together with the eagles and the trees; the water, mountains, and air. God created it all and saw it as good. All of it is sacred because it is God’s creation. Just as we care for our church buildings because they are sacred places, we care for the earth and everything God has made. In a world that has largely seen fit to consume earth’s resources, we Christians are called to be the protectors of Earth—we worship the God who
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9781501876967_INT_14 to 17.indd 14 11/7/19 7:00 AM created it and set it all in motion. God made us of a nuclear strike on a nearby military installation. caretakers. Shortly after that, I remember reading advice from Some of us have not been very good stewards. a Christian psychologist on how to handle children’s We have already lost much of creation. In an fears. If they see you working to “make it better,” she unusually short time, bird migrations have shifted. explained, they will be reassured. Your involvement, Gardeners notice that plant-hardiness zones have your commitment to peace—or in today’s world, changed. We are witnesses and sometimes victims to your commitment to creating a healthier and safer increasing drought in our country and throughout world—will assure them that the adults in their lives the world. Storms are worse. Intense rain and care and are working for better solutions. snow come in short periods of time leading to flood conditions. Rising sea levels threaten some islands and their residents. My county just spent three to four days hauling in big rocks and positioning them along the saltwater shoreline near my home in order to secure the public road from washing out. It’s the first time in the fifty years I have lived here that I have seen such a big shoreline project in this area. We are called individually to act, first in our homes and the ways we choose to live—our food, transportation, how we spend our money, even what we throw in the garbage. God has no time or patience to hear, “It’s too late” or “It won’t matter that much.” Jesus was never a cynic. We are called to act in our churches in some of those same basic ways—recycling, educating our children and I’ve never forgotten a headline in a church members, and paying attention to energy usage. newspaper I saw many years ago: “What good is a Then we are called to act in our communities. church without a habitable planet to put it on?” We are called to speak up for this beautiful, sacred “God so loved the world. . . . ,” and continues to earth that has no voice. And in that speaking out, we love it. Do you? become witnesses for our faith. When my children were small, the threat of the nuclear arms race created a lot of anxiety, and children picked up on those fears. I remember my seven-year-old son stretched out on his stomach on the living-room rug studying a “doomsday map” in the local newspaper. It described the possible results
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9781501876967_INT_14 to 17.indd 15 11/7/19 7:39 AM IN YOUR HOME
• Reduce consumption of products that are harmful to wildlife, especially plastic packaging. • Visit wild, beautiful places—get out and go! • Teach grandchildren how to practice earth caretaking, especially recycling. • Aim for acquiring experiences instead of things. • Insulate, weather strip, caulk. • Bring back a clothesline or a drying rack— especially for heavier items. • Pay attention to energy-efficient appliances, light bulbs, cars. • Use public transportation when possible. • Eat “lower” on the food chain—grains, fruits, veggies. • Be kind to yourself, your family, and your friends—none of us “does it all”!
IN YOUR CHURCH
• Check your church building for energy leaks—aim for being energy efficient. • Is recycling available everywhere in the building? • Monitor the products used outside in landscaping—eliminate harmful pesticides. • Take time for reflection on Scripture about creation, like Genesis 1–3; John 1; and Psalm 104. • Create a community garden. • Take on a cleanup project in your community. • Always keep love at the center—we all do what we can, but we all don’t focus on the same things! • Purchase and download the e-book, Green Church by Rebekah Simon-Peter at AbingdonPress.com, for more ideas.
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9781501876967_INT_14 to 17.indd 16 11/4/19 8:13 AM IN YOUR COMMUNITY
• Make your voice heard in the marketplace by what you buy. It will respond to what we buy—or don’t buy. • Speak out, write letters, make phone calls—the earth needs more caretakers. • Contribute to and join organizations that are defending the earth. • Speak up for the beautiful public lands that we can all get out and enjoy. • Dare to stand up to defend the earth—become a witness to your faith by living it, not just by saying it.
Mary Ekstrand is a retired elementary school library technician. She grows a vegetable garden every summer and nurtures about ten fruit trees in her yard—peach, apple, plum, persimmon, pear, fig, and cherry.
www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 17
9781501876967_INT_14 to 17.indd 17 11/4/19 8:13 AM 5 Tips for Planting and Caring for Trees This Arbor Day
rees are not only beautiful to look at, 2. Choose your tree with care. The Arbor Day they also serve important purposes in Foundation can help you find the right variety Tour communities and all over the world. of tree for your climate zone, soil conditions, sun They provide the oxygen we breathe, regulate the exposure, and location. Visit arborday.org/trees temperature of our neighborhoods, provide food for guidance on choosing the right tree for your and shelter for wildlife, and add value to our homes. purposes. If you’ve ever wanted to plant trees in your own yard or if you want to join a community tree-planting 3. How to start your tree. Whether you start with a project, Arbor Day is a great time to get started. bare-root seedling, a balled and burlapped tree, or National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday a container-grown or potted tree, be sure it looks in April. There may be Arbor Day events happening healthy. For a bare-root tree, look for abundant in your community. You can find out at arborday. root growth: numerous small fibrous roots that org/celebrate/ways-to-celebrate.cfm. appear moist and a good color. A balled and Tree-planting is a great opportunity to involve burlapped tree should have a firm soil ball that the whole family, teaching your grandchildren the does not seem broken, without circling roots at importance of the natural environment and how we the base of the trunk. Always carry these by their can all be better stewards of our planet. Below are soil ball, not from the trunk, stem, or branches. some tips for a successful tree planting. A containerized tree should not be root-bound in the pot or can—if roots have circled around 1. Location, location, location. Where you plant the edge of the container, you should cut any a tree matters. Tall trees should be planted far circling roots before planting. Always remove any enough from utility lines (and homes) to avoid container before planting. Balled and burlapped is problems when they grow to maturity. Shorter the preferred choice for larger trees. flowering trees may be a good choice closer to utility lines. Large evergreens 4. Plant properly. Watch the videos at shouldn’t be planted close to a arborday.org/howtoplant to see the house on the southern side, as best practices for planting bare-root they can block warming winter seedlings, balled and burlapped sunlight. However, planting trees trees, or containerized trees. Tips to the north of a house can help for all three types include: digging shield it from cold winter winds. a hole wider than what seems
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9781501876967_INT_18 to 19.indd 18 11/4/19 8:14 AM necessary for your tree; packing the original soil The time for planting trees is now. By doing so, around the planted tree firmly but not too tightly; you are an important part of something bigger. The creating a water-holding basin in the soil around Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees initiative the tree; and giving the tree a good watering, then aspires to plant 100 million trees by 2022, the keeping the soil around the tree moist but not 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. Each tree planted soggy, watering every seven to ten days during the will help clean our air and water, fight climate first year after planting. change, prevent damage from storms and flooding, and beautify our world. Enhance your yard, your 5. Continuous care for your trees. For your newly community, and the planet by planting a tree this planted trees—and even existing trees on your Arbor Day. property—help them thrive by watering them correctly (which is especially important when Source: Brandpoint conditions are hot and dry), adding mulch, pruning as needed, and watching for issues such as pests or tree diseases.
www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 19
9781501876967_INT_18 to 19.indd 19 11/4/19 8:14 AM Come As
You Are By Selena Cunningham
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9781501876967_INT_20 to 22.indd 20 11/1/19 10:49 AM ne afternoon as I thumbed through the time to grow on me. It has a couple of meanings. mail, I came across a flyer for a church with Come as you are physically––in your jeans and your O the words, “come as you are.” I’d seen these T-shirt, in your work boots and your uniform, in words on similar flyers in my mailbox recently and your worn-out sneakers and soccer jersey—is often also on more church websites than I could name. I part of what some of the “new school” churches Come As live in the South, where churches have never been mean. There is the deeper meaning––which is most in short supply, and there seem to be more churches often associated with church. Then there is come as popping up every day. I’ve noticed that this “come you are spiritually––broken, in need of prayer, in as you are” phrase seems to be more often associated need of healing, searching. The latter meaning has with the new churches than the old. Having grown always been a part of church culture and was never up in old-fashioned churches where going to church hard for me to embrace, at least in thought; but the You Are in your Sunday best was the norm, I have to admit former, I admit, took some time to grow on me. Yet, this phrase, “come as you are,” has taken some there is a connection between the two. Casual churches are nothing new; they’ve been around for years and have increased in popularity with time. I admit I’m a slow adopter. The part of me that wore frilly dresses and shiny, patent leather shoes to church as a girl, because it was “what you did,” hesitates at the thought of going to church in anything less than Sunday best. As a person who was raised in church, I know that God loves me just as I am, no matter what I look like. Still, there is part of me that has been socialized to believe that I must present my physical “best self” on Sunday morning to be acceptable among God’s people and to be respectful to God. Recently, I decided to visit some of these places where one may “come as one is” physically, and it was eye-opening in ways I did not expect. I visited churches where not only was the dress code more casual, but so was the worship experience. In these worship settings, bringing one’s coffee cup into the sanctuary or even being served coffee in the lobby and sipping during the service was not uncommon. In one church, the congregation sat at round tables rather than in pews to foster a sense of community. They even served sausage biscuits during the worship! Having been accustomed to a traditional church environment, these experiences seemed foreign at first. Then one day, as I was sitting in one of these casual worship services, I looked around at all of the dressed-down people who were singing a praise song, fully engaged in worship, and it hit me that the people around me were not wearing their “church masks.” When I say this, I don’t mean to suggest that people in any church come to worship with the intention to deceive God or their neighbors, but www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 21
9781501876967_INT_20 to 22.indd 21 11/1/19 10:49 AM often, and sometimes unintentionally, we hide our true selves in our Sunday best. We hide that part of us that is broken, searching, and in need of healing or prayer behind shiny shoes, ruffles, and frills like a mask. And when we hide those vulnerabilities behind that mask, sometimes it’s hard for our faith communities to truly see us. We are quickly scanned and visually processed as “whole” or OK, when inside we are in pieces and in need of love and prayer. So many of us go into a church setting dressed as more than we feel and come As I looked around at those near me who had out feeling even less because we haven’t allowed our come as they were, I realized that the “come as you real selves to be seen. We’ve presented false selves are” church culture that is so popular now may through tricks of clothing and makeup, almost like actually be helping us get closer to the church we’re actors in a play. I’m not saying that you should supposed to be in other ways. In these churches, I come to church dressed in rags because you’re going noticed more diversity of race, age, and economic through a tough time, but I wonder if allowing background than ever before, all in one space. I people to come as they are in some ways eliminates a don’t think that’s an accident. Yes, I realize there may lot of the façades that people put up when it comes be other factors at play, but as many public school to church and allows us to connect on a deeper systems in our communities that have gone to school level than we might otherwise. It seems silly that uniforms have recognized, removing cultural and such things could have such an impact, but there’s economic markers in clothing makes a difference. something to it. I admit to being the sort of “rule follower” who I’ve had days where my favorite dress didn’t might have judged a cup of coffee in the sanctuary as fit because I’d been stress-eating butter pecan ice disrespectful before my recent explorations. But on cream, humidity had gotten the best of my hair, and some level, I admire the honesty of a person who can all hope of makeup ended after the dress and hair. admit to needing a cup of coffee to make it through Maybe if, on those days, I had thrown on a baggy Sunday morning more than the person who wants sweater and let my face and hair be what they were, one but doesn’t take it because “it’s not how things the lady in the pew across the aisle who didn’t have are done.” Deep down, I’d rather be the person who time to pull herself together because the kids were a took a so-called irreverent sip and heard the sermon handful that morning would have felt less awkward. than the person who missed the message because And maybe we would both have recognized a she couldn’t keep her eyes open during the service. I need in each other and felt empathy. Perhaps we admire the person who didn’t feel like dressing up or would have thought of each other in prayer later on didn’t have the means, but came to worship slightly because we “saw” each other. disheveled because he or she still had the desire Maybe a man who can’t afford designer suits to worship and to be a part of the community of will feel more comfortable coming to worship at all, believers. Before, I saw the “come as you are” church if he’s sitting next to a man who chose jeans and a culture as trendy; now, I see it as authentic. Being T-shirt, even though he could have purchased the with God in sweats and sneakers is no less holy than designer suit. Maybe the two of them will share being with God in a dress and heels. a supportive glance or a word of greeting, when before they might not even have met each other’s Selena Cunningham is an editor, writer, and educator who gaze because they didn’t want to see their differences lives in Franklin, Tennessee. She enjoys learning new things, and feel the emotions that come with seeing and spending time with family and friends, and experiencing good stories. acknowledging those differences.
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9781501876967_INT_20 to 22.indd 22 11/1/19 10:49 AM ’m only superhuman on Tuesdays, and it isn’t announce a finished book for my Selah Press clients, Tuesday very often around here. I know— whether it is under my imprint or their own. And Tuesday rolls around every week—but sometimes I love it when a website is done or a book cover or II forget that it is Tuesday and leave my wonder some other project I have finished for my company powers in the closet. By Friday, I am often left or someone else’s. You know that feeling? That wondering how I accomplished so few of the moment when you get to reveal what you have things on my must-do list and realize that I forgot worked so hard on. to activate my superpowers when Tuesday rolled I’m going to start rewarding myself with a few around. Maybe I should set a reminder for myself more ta-da exclamations in my day. Ta-da—I got for Tuesday mornings. out of bed! Ta-da—I fed the chickens and the cats All kidding aside, many of us have so much and the dogs and even the people! Happy dance. on our plates that we actually could use some Ta-da—I didn’t lose my phone today! superhuman powers. People often ask me how I do OK, I know those aren’t big things, but some so much. Mentally, I do a quick inventory of all the days when you consider all the other things on our undone things on my to-do and must-do lists and plates, the little things can be massive, giant, show- think they might have gone mad. stopping ta-da moments. That got me thinking that if we focus on what How about you? Do you also put too much we didn’t get done because we overcommitted, we focus on what you didn’t get done? Celebrate the will not only be overwhelmed by what we have ta-da moments with me and start to feel a little left to do but also underwhelmed by our own superhuman power in your step. performance. If we placed unrealistic expectations on ourselves then, how can we ever experience the ta-da Kayla Fioravanti is an award-winning author, certified moment at the end of the day? aromatherapist, and cosmetic formulator. She is the author I’m all about the ta-da moment! I love that of The Art, Science and Business of Aromatherapy and coauthor of the Amazon #1 New Release, The Unspoken moment at the end of a project when I get to Truth About Essential Oils. rhuman y Supe on Tue Onl sda By Kayla Fioravanti y I’m s
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9781501876967_INT_23.indd 23 11/1/19 10:55 AM 24 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_24 to 27.indd 24 11/1/19 10:56 AM Listening Prayer: An Introduction By Scott Spradley
f you are like I was much of my life, most of earlier days is an undeniable knowledge that your prayer may seem more like “listing” there is a God; and this God wants to be with us, prayer than listening prayer: giving God spend time with us, and, yes, speak to us. God Iyour daily list of needs, requests, and sometimes has much more to say to us than, “Hey! Get your thank-yous, with a little praise sprinkled in. act together!” To tell the truth, God rarely uses These are all valid and important parts of that tone with me, even when I feel I deserve it. prayer and our relationship with God. But I discovered listening prayer, as it is for me since it is a relationship, our communication now, on the corner of the couch in my living with God should include all the elements of room early one morning before work. I was communication that any important relationship using a journal, a Bible, and the Jesus Calling does. Listening is one of these elements. In life book. But I was tired of digging through with our earthly loved ones, it is very important. Scripture, tired of reading. I had run out of So, why not with God? words. At that point, something inside let For me, listening prayer was not something me know that I had been having a one-sided I read about in a book or heard about in a class relationship, and the reason it felt like I was and tried until I got it. It really seemed to be working so hard at it was because I was working born of my hardheadedness. In other words, so hard at it. I’d never just stopped and shut up. God had to get loud to get my attention. I like Then, I did. I stopped, slowed and deepened my to call this experience the almighty foot of God breathing, let myself relax, and listened. At that kicking me in the right direction. I have a friend moment, I had a deep sense of God’s presence who seems a much more obedient follower of and a loving whisper, so gentle and so simple. Christ than I’ve ever thought myself to be. When As I sat there, I didn’t want to get up. And as I I shared with him these early experiences of listened, the words were few, but the message hearing God, he would tell me that he wished was clear: “You are loved, you are not alone, and he could know or hear when God was speaking I am here.” Honestly, most of the time that’s to him. Back then, I would tell him, “You’re so about all I need to hear when I am sitting with obedient, and in God’s will, God doesn’t have God. Since that day, noticeable encounters with to speak to you. God has to save God’s voice to God have been much more frequent and much keep people like me in line.” more natural. Now, I don’t have to go on a I have learned a lot since that time, and I retreat or go astray to hear God’s voice and know don’t recommend emulating my disobedience God’s presence, and neither do you. or straying as a way to hear from God. There are This first experience of listening prayer taught much simpler paths. I think the gift from those me that taking time to be with God and hear
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9781501876967_INT_24 to 27.indd 25 11/1/19 10:56 AM from God doesn’t have to be complicated or a lot time being with those I love and those who of work; it requires us to take the time to stop love me. When I am with them and we are and just be. Though I’m not a fan of living by distraction-free, I find I like to drink in deep the lists, here is a way to help you remember some of goodness and essence these people bring into what’s involved when listening prayer happens: the space we share. The same is true in being Believe, Be still, Be silent, Be aware, Be present, Be with God. Allowing yourself to sit with God with, and Be loved. and experience God’s love for you is in itself a Believe. Fortunately or unfortunately, God beautiful part of most prayer, and something I has made it impossible for me not to believe think we all long for. In listening prayer, being God is real and ever-present. This is because God with and being loved can bring clarity to what is constantly turning up in my life. This may not we may hear. Without this, I think it is easy to be so for you. If that is where you find yourself, confuse other voices or our interpretations of life be patient with yourself, your own experience, events for God’s true voice. and your understanding. Also, be patient with Now that I’ve given you a bit of a structure God. You might begin your journey by asking for listening prayer, it’s time to tear it all down. God to help you know of God’s existence. What I shared may help you understand some Be still. Find a place, time, and position of what happens or what is involved when we where you can stop and be still. Once in the listen to and hear God speaking, but God’s right spot, I find that slowing and deepening interactions with us aren’t confined to designated my breathing helps to still me. The right spot times and places. I’ve found myself practicing used to be on the corner of my couch early in listening prayer in my office and in meetings at the morning, when I could be alone with God, my job; when I’m walking my dog, riding my uninterrupted. Since my wife rearranged the bike, running, or sitting in my backyard under a furniture, my old place doesn’t work anymore. tree. Now there is a chair next to a piano bench in the Listening prayer is also something I den where I like to go to. experience in spiritual direction sessions as both Be silent. This doesn’t mean to pray silently. directee and director. In fact, a spiritual direction This means turning off your own words. For session or a group spiritual direction session will me, it meant letting go of the notion that I often feel like a joint listening prayer session. was required to keep the conversation going. These times, when two or more are gathered Sometimes, before I can reach this point, I find in God’s name, God’s presence and voice are that I need to journal or write my thoughts, regularly made known. rambling or not, to help me get all of my stuff I don’t want to give the impression that out. Then, stop. spiritual direction or listening prayer brings Be aware and Be present. Since I know God immediate change to situations or makes is always present, I know it is usually something bad times suddenly wonderful. What it does in me that keeps me from experiencing and offer us is the chance and the encouraging knowing this. We’ve become expert at being “not companionship to be different in the situations aware” of and “not present,” even with people and places we find ourselves; to embrace all in the same room with us. This mind-set can the parts of the abundant life we are in, rather also carry into our time with God. One of my than make failed attempts at blocking out, regular prayers is, “God, make me aware of your numbing, or covering up what we find painful or presence and help me be present to you.” unpleasant. Be with and Be loved. I am an introvert, so In as many ways as we are each unique, there I’m good at being alone. But I need to spend are also many ways of going about listening
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9781501876967_INT_24 to 27.indd 26 11/1/19 10:56 AM prayer as you seek to spend time in God’s presence and hearing God’s voice. It is my hope that this short treatment of the subject will introduce you to the possibility that prayer can be different, and also give you some ideas of how you might introduce this gift of presence into your own relationship with God. May you hear God’s voice and know God’s love.
A practicing spiritual director since 2013, Scott Spradley received his certification in Spiritual Direction from Perkins School of Theology. Scott also serves as director for the VBS team at The United Methodist Publishing House. Scott regularly facilitates small groups on topics such as walking as a spiritual practice, dreamwork, and spiritual discernment. Scott, his wife, and his son attend Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and live in Smyrna, Tennessee.
For more info: www.spradleyspiritualdirection. com.
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9781501876967_INT_24 to 27.indd 27 11/1/19 10:57 AM Choosing a Grandparent Name You’ll Love By Becky Alexander
nder the guise of an early Mother’s Day gift, 3. Creative names help children differentiate my adult daughter handed me a small box to multiple grandparents. One family has a grandma Uopen. I expected to find a necklace or a pair called Mama and a grandma called Blue Mama. (The color has no significance.) of earrings inside. So, when I saw the contents, I gasped—not once, but three times. It was a pacifier. As a first-time grandparent-to-be, the days and 4. Some choose a grandparent name that looks or months that followed were filled with joyful tasks. I sounds like a given name. For example, Connie shopped for tiny clothes, fuzzy blankets, and a crib is Nonnie, Junior is Papaw JuJu, Gina is GiGi, for my house. My family and I planned a pink baby Bruce is Boo, and Jo is JoNanna. shower. (Yes, I was having a granddaughter.) And I spent lots of time researching grandmother names 5. A grandparent name can reflect something unique and deciding which one was right for me. about a person. RunMa is an avid runner; her I knew I didn’t want Grandmother, Grandma, or name combines her love of running with her love Granny. My son-in-law suggested Big Mama, and for her grandson. HoHo is a grandpa with a laugh I told him no way. I desired something different that reminds his family of Santa Claus. and fun. Rebecca is my given name (though I go 6. A family may reuse a name to honor a special by Becky), so I thought Becca would be a creative grandparent. One woman in the poll said, selection. My daughter, however, requested a name “My grandmother was Mammaw, my mother closer to Grandma. In the end, I decided upon was Mammaw, and now I am Mammaw. My Grammy, and I love it. My heart melts when I hear grandmother was a loving Christian woman. It is it spoken with my granddaughter’s sweet little voice. a privilege to carry on the tradition.” To help you choose a grandparent name you’ll love, I polled one thousand people for name ideas 7. International grandparent names provide and the stories behind them. The results revealed ten interesting options. Grandpas can be Zaydee trends in “grand” names. (Israel), Babu (Africa), or Doda (Uzbekistan). Grandmas can be Lola (Philippines), YaYa 1. The spelling of a grandparent name displays a (Greece), or Tutu (Hawaii). personal preference. Many variations exist for the same pronunciations. You can be Geepaw 8. Families are sometimes playful with grandparent or G-Pa, Nana or Nanna, Grandpa or Granpaw, names. Grandma is Lolli, and Grandpa is Pop; MiMi or Meme. together, they are Lollipop. Grandpa and Grandma are Fred and Wilma, 2. Similar names are often paired together. Some of as in The Flintstones the paired names mentioned in the poll include cartoon. Grandmother and Grandfather, Grandma and Grandpa, Mamaw and Papaw, Ma and Pa, and Big Mommy and Big Daddy.
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9781501876967_INT_28 to 29.indd 28 11/4/19 9:25 AM 9. A chosen name is frequently changed by a To continue your search for just the right grandchild. The child can’t pronounce the name grandparent name, check your local library, correctly and utters her own version of it. The bookstores, and online book sites for best-selling new name sticks, becoming a treasured gift to grandparent name books. They aren’t as plentiful the grandparent. One Granddaddy became as baby name books, but they are growing in Bondaddy. Because “bon” means “good” in popularity. You can also access internet articles and French, his granddaughter unknowingly named blog posts with name ideas. Will you be a BaNana him Gooddaddy. or a MiMi? a Mamaw or a YaYa? Does Big Daddy or Poppy suit you? Or maybe G-Pa or Shugie? 10. The first grandchild holds all the name power. Choosing a grandparent name you’ll love is loads of Usually, the grandparent name used by the fun, but it is only a hint of the fun that is to come. first grandchild is the name used by all the grandchildren. That’s how one Grandma is Before becoming Grammy to Sadie, Becky Alexander was dubbed GooMoo for life. children’s minister to hundreds of kids for twenty-five years. Now she leads tours to Washington, DC; New York City; Have you already grabbed a pen and started a list Boston; Toronto; and Niagara Falls. of your favorite grandparent names?
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9781501876967_INT_28 to 29.indd 29 11/4/19 8:18 AM Ancient Dead Sea Salt: A Permanent Covenant By Nancy J. Schaaf RN, BSN, M ED
n their book, Salt is astounding. Exotic and Pepper, the salts create a delightful ICookbook, authors culinary experience. Sandra Cook, Sara Slavin, Home and restaurant and Deborah Jones state chefs value the distinctive in the preface, “The qualities of gourmet saltshaker we reach for so salts and the ways these casually on our table is salts enhance the flavors the result of millennia of of food. Gourmet salts human endeavor, laden transform even the with history, symbolism, simplest foods into and ritual.” something remarkable. Salt is an essential mineral used since ancient Salt makes dishes taste better by reducing bitterness, times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, enhancing sweetness, and boosting different flavors. a disinfectant, and an element of ceremonial It can intensify aromas, make meat taste juicier, and offerings. References to salt occur in both the Old preserve food for years. and New Testaments. The Dead Sea provided a Salt is extracted from seawater all over the world. bountiful supply and was indispensable to the The different mineral compositions and algae change Israelites for flavoring, preserving food, and sacred the color and flavor of the seasoning. Sea salts offer rituals including the salt covenant. As a child, Jesus a stunning array of colors and shades. The selections likely watched his mother, Mary, use salt in the of gourmet salts include Himalayan Pink, Hawaiian kitchen to preserve meat and season vegetables. Red, Celtic Grey, and Hawaiian Black. Textures vary Throughout history, people confirmed agreements from fine to coarse, from flaked to crystalline to using salt, often as part of a meal together. As crushed. salt was added to foods to preserve them from Incredibly, we now can consume salt from the decay, it became a symbol of incorruptibility and same sea as those in biblical times. Long used only permanence. Salt covenants are perpetual agreements as bath salt, several salt companies recently found symbolizing unbreakable friendships and enduring ways to harvest Dead Sea salt and make it edible alliances. again. The salt is even available blended with Today, salt is still a vital commodity. In the spice organic herbs and spices to create bold tastes. We aisle of grocery stores, specialty food shops, and even can enjoy the intense and full-bodied aroma of this department stores, the array of gourmet sea salts off-white sea salt and reap the benefits of its unique
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9781501876967_INT_30 to 31.indd 30 11/1/19 11:48 AM mineral content. Gourmet Dead Sea salt is naturally Fabulous cooking is all about maximizing flavor thirty percent lower in sodium than table salt and and savoring the pleasure of serving good food and provides essential minerals including potassium, enjoying time with family and friends. Symbolically, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals are crucial salt is important in a Christian’s life and symbolizes to many bodily functions and need to be replenished our covenant with Jesus. Jesus called his followers regularly. “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). And The saltshaker is on virtually every dining table in amazingly, we can use the very same salt that the America. When used conservatively (the American ancients used in creating this personal salt covenant. Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams a day or about one Nancy J. Schaaf, RN, BSN, M ED, is a retired registered teaspoon) and creatively, finishing foods with natural nurse and educator. Schaaf’s articles have been published in salts can make nutritious eating more enjoyable. numerous magazines.
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9781501876967_INT_30 to 31.indd 31 11/1/19 11:48 AM how to create a smoky cubano sandwich
or flavor fans, there is nearly no better combo 2 teaspoons cumin, ground than the complementary tastes in a Cubano kosher salt, to taste sandwich. Complete with layers of roast pork, coarse black pepper, to taste Fham, soft Swiss cheese, mustard, and topped with tangy pickles, all the flavors and textures play in Sandwich concert. 3 1/2 pounds pork shoulder or boneless pork butt For an upgrade on the classic sandwich, try this 2 teaspoons Tabasco Chipotle Sauce version from Sammy Hagar, a member of the Rock 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and Roll Hall of Fame, who’s known for his riff on 6 pieces Cuban bread or baguette (6 inches the iconic recipe. He takes his favorite sandwich to each), cut lengthwise the next level by adding a smoky kick. 8 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced “The Cubano has everything I love in a sandwich: 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced gooey melted cheese and a crispy, crunchy crust on 24 dill pickle chips the bread,” Hagar said. “It’s great to be able to get all 4 tablespoons yellow mustard the flavors in each bite. It has pickles and mustard 1 cup unsalted butter that cut through the rich cheese and pork. When 4 tablespoons reserved Mojo Marinade you splash a little Tabasco on it, you get the last perfect ingredients—flavor and heat.” To make Mojo Marinade: In bowl, whisk olive Find his signature sandwich at Sammy’s Beach oil, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, Bar & Grill locations throughout the country, or try cumin, salt, and pepper until incorporated. Adjust creating Sammy’s Cubano Sandwich at home with salt and pepper to taste. Reserve 4 tablespoons this recipe. marinade in separate bowl, cover, and set aside in refrigerator. Sammy’s Cubano Sandwich Place pork in large zip-top bag. Cover with Mojo Cook time: 3 hours and 30 minutes Marinade and close bag. Place in roasting pan Servings: 6 and refrigerate overnight. Heat oven to 450 F. Mojo Marinade Remove pork and marinade from 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil bag and place in roasting pan. Cover 1 cup cilantro, minced with foil and cook in oven 45 3/4 cup orange juice minutes. 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice After 45 minutes, reduce heat to 3 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced 375 F, remove foil, and cook two 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced hours until internal temperature
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9781501876967_INT_32 to 33.indd 32 11/1/19 11:51 AM reaches 175 F and pork is fork tender at thickest Over medium-high heat, butter flat surface of part. griddle and add reserved Mojo Marinade while Remove from oven and let rest twenty minutes butter is melting. before slicing. Place assembled sandwiches on griddle, pressing In small bowl, mix Tabasco sauce and mayonnaise grill weight or heavy skillet on top of sandwiches. until fully incorporated. Cook until bottoms are golden brown and cheese Spread mixture on bottom bread slice. is melted. On top bread slice, place two slices deli ham, 3–4 ounces roasted pork, two slices Swiss cheese, 4–6 pickles, and yellow mustard. Source: Family Features
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9781501876967_INT_32 to 33.indd 33 11/4/19 8:23 AM Sustainable Eating Made Easy
he needs of grocery shoppers are seemingly always evolving, and now more than ever, Tthey want to know where and how their food is produced and what impact it has on the environment. This is commonly referred to as “sustainable eating,” and its popularity is growing among shoppers. Plant-based diets are a tenet of sustainable eating, and mushrooms are often included as part of the movement. Known for their inherent umami (meaty) flavor and nutrition properties, mushrooms are recognized for their unique growing process Sautéed Mushroom and Sun-Dried and need for minimal natural resources used during Tomato Avocado Toast production, which makes mushrooms both healthy on the plate and gentle on the planet. Recipe courtesy of the Mushroom Council In addition, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, Servings: 4 and with so many fresh varieties to choose from, it’s simple to incorporate them into most meals. Three 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus Mushroom and Garlic Grilled Pizza can satisfy the additional for drizzling entire family, while favorites like Sautéed Mushroom 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Sun-Dried Tomato Avocado Toast may hit the 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms spot morning, noon, and night. 1/4 cup water For more information on mushroom 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves sustainability, as well as additional recipes, visit kosher salt, to taste mushroomcouncil.com. 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced 4 slices toasted bread shaved Parmesan cheese In skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook one minute. Add mushrooms and gently incorporate with tomatoes. Add water and stir well until water evaporates and mushrooms darken and become tender, about four minutes. Add thyme and salt, to taste. Set aside to cool. To assemble, gently smash half of each avocado over one slice of toast. Top each slice of toast with mushroom mixture. Top each with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
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9781501876967_INT_34 to 35.indd 34 11/6/19 1:46 PM Three Mushroom and Garlic Grilled Pizza Recipe courtesy of the Mushroom Council Heat grill to medium-high heat, about 425 F. Servings: 4 To make sauce: In medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Whisk in garlic 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and basil; cook one minute. Sprinkle in flour 3 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced while quickly whisking to form paste. 3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and Reduce heat to medium. Slowly pour in half- sliced and-half while continuing to whisk until there 3 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced are no clumps. Increase heat slightly to bring to 1 ounce chicken stock simmer. Stir as mixture thickens into sauce, about 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt one minute. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan pizza dough (14 inches) cheese, salt, and pepper; set aside. olive oil In large skillet over medium-high heat, nonstick cooking spray heat olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook until 4 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, they begin to turn tender, about two minutes. chopped Carefully pour in stock and continue cooking shaved Parmesan, for garnish until liquid evaporates, about one minute. basil leaves, for garnish Sprinkle with salt. Stretch dough to make 14-inch pizza. Brush Sauce grill grates generously with olive oil. Place dough 1 tablespoon unsalted butter on grill and let cook about three minutes, until 4 garlic cloves, minced underside is browned and dough removes easily 5 basil leaves, minced from grill. While removing dough from grill, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour flip it onto baking sheet sprayed with nonstick 3/4 cup half-and-half cooking spray so cooked side is up. 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Spread sauce over pizza and evenly cover in 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt mushrooms. Add mozzarella cheese. 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Return pizza to grill, topping-side up. Close lid and let cook 3–5 minutes. Once top crust browns and cheese melts and bubbles, remove from grill. Let rest 2–3 minutes. Garnish with Parmesan and basil leaves; slice to serve.
Source: Family Features
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9781501876967_INT_34 to 35.indd 35 11/1/19 1:08 PM The Wonderful Land of Oz: Australia’s Tropics By Rachel Mullen
floated on the surface of the Pacific Ocean miles there, so if you visit the area, you’ll most likely spend from land; something fluttered below me. I some time in the city. The vibe was a little faster than focused on a blue-spotted ribbontail stingray what we were looking for, though, so we headed to Igently stirring up the sand as another creature, large the picturesque northern beach of Palm Cove for a and green, caught my eye. I turned my head to see a taste of the slow life. hawksbill sea turtle lurching for a jellyfish. Rainbow- Palm Cove hosts a strip of restaurants, resorts, colored parrotfish loudly munched on hard bits of and shops right along the water, and we chose to coral, and a whitetip reef shark slept off to my left. stay at the Melaleuca Resort because of its central I cleared the water from my snorkel before heading location and self-contained apartments. I also loved farther out onto the reef. the tropical landscaping and lagoon-style pool. Our As freezing temperatures still lingered in my apartment looked right out onto the beach and corner of America, Australia’s Tropical North had every amenity we could wish for. Each day we were there, we walked up and down the esplanade, listening to tropical birds squawk as the palm trees swayed.
Queensland was in the dog days of summer. My husband and I made the trek to the land down under to experience some of the most unique biodiversity in the world. For me, that meant exploring the world’s oldest rainforest and following sea turtles through the coral of the world’s largest living organism: the Great Barrier Reef. For my husband, it meant spotting koalas and kangaroos. Before heading out to sea, we explored what the land had to offer. We landed in Cairns, which is a bustling city and the busiest jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Most reef tours leave from 36 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_36 to 39.indd 36 11/4/19 8:25 AM But there was so much more to watched chocolatiers create football- explore than the beaches, so we headed sized milk chocolate Easter eggs and The Wonderful Land of Oz: inland. The Atherton Tablelands, sampled some of the most delicious which lie southwest of Palm Cove, cheeses I’ve ever had. My favorite was encompass some of Australia’s most the macadamia cheese, which is made By Rachel Mullen fertile farmland. We decided to take with local nuts for a nutty, creamy, Australia’s Tropics a self-guided food tour of the area by almost-chocolatey flavor. We visiting some of the highlights. Our lingered over plates of local first stop was Jaques Coffee Plantation specialties in the café for lunch for a morning cup of joe. Tours of the before grabbing some takeaway facilities were available, but we settled cheese and chocolates for dinner that into the café for some snacks and night. coffee. As we continued our tour, we stopped along the Caffeinated and ready to explore, we set off road to marvel at towering strangler fig trees and toward the town of Atherton. Along the way, we kept our eyes peeled for kangaroos (which we saw). found a local roadside market called The Humpy. We also tried to spot the elusive platypus in local This small store in the town of Tolga is a local streams (which we did not see). institution. Here you can find produce, nuts, and The next day, we took to the skies! Sort of. We gifts from around the Atherton Tablelands. If you’re wanted to explore the Wet Tropics Rainforest, the like me and don’t come from a tropical climate, oldest rainforest in the world, and the perfect way stopping in for some locally-grown macadamia nuts to do that is on the Kuranda Skyrail. The Skyrail or dragonfruit is a true treat. experience was unlike anything we’d ever done Our next stop was Gallo Dairyland, a family- before. A cabled gondola whisked us above the lush owned farm just outside Atherton. There we forest, making stops along the way so guests could
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9781501876967_INT_36 to 39.indd 37 11/1/19 1:01 PM The Skyrail transported us to the small town of Kuranda. This small village nestled in the jungle is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. You can visit the butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens (tick that off the list), or take a nature cruise on the river. We spent most of our day shopping for souvenirs. Many local artisans have set up shop in the village, which meant we bought wares from the people who made them rather than mass-produced trinkets. For the return trip, visitors have the option of taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway to experience the rainforest experience the scenery, including breathtaking at ground level. lookouts of Barron Falls and a ranger-guided tour As we said goodbye to our lovely beachfront of Red Peak. Gliding above the treetops was a apartment in Palm Cove, we kicked off our shoes wonderful way to see the rainforest. The only sound and pulled on our fins for an overnight stay on was the whoosh of the wind as we looked out at the Great Barrier Reef. A number of companies in 360-degree views. The one-and-a-half-hour trip Cairns offer day tours out to the reef, but we wanted was a wonderful chance to center myself, enjoy the to experience it under the stars with the waves gently silence, and pray amongst the ancient landscape. rocking us to sleep, so we booked ourselves on
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9781501876967_INT_36 to 39.indd 38 11/1/19 1:01 PM an overnight liveaboard Night Markets. This huge trip. While a day tour lets complex was the perfect snorkelers stop at two or spot to grab dinner, finish three spots on the reef, we souvenir shopping, and even were able to take advantage get a quick post-snorkeling of six “dives” on two massage. We noshed on different reefs, my favorite gelato from a local vendor of which took place at 6:00 while strolling along the a.m. when the fish were esplanade beside Cairns’ most active and the day- giant public pool, the trippers were absent. Lagoon. As we looked up, Our ship was a floating a colony of bats streamed hotel, although a stripped- around a skyscraper and down version. Meals were alit in a small group of served communally, and trees. Fruit bats the size of staff were there to answer puppies landed and flipped questions about the fish we spotted and where the upside down to hang in the branches in front of us. best places to snorkel were. The company we chose My husband and I exchanged glances and shrugged. also included a glass-bottomed boat tour, which Australia had proved to be a truly unique experience gave us better views of the coral gardens from above all around. (perfect for my non-snorkeling husband). The next day, we headed back to shore to finish Rachel Mullen is the Features and Acquisitions Editor for our trip in Cairns. We launched into the hustle and Christian Living in the Mature Years. bustle of the city by strolling around the Cairns
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9781501876967_INT_36 to 39.indd 39 11/1/19 1:02 PM We’ve Come All This Way By Rachel Mullen
fter a four-hour transcontinental flight, around the sleeping giant of Lake Wakatipu into then a trans-Pacific fourteen-hour flight, Fjordland National Park. Along the shores of Lake Awe took the opportunity to see some of Te Anau, we stopped to admire the stunning scenery New Zealand’s gorgeous scenery since we were with walks around Mirror Lakes and The Chasm “in the neighborhood.” Because we had limited (where rushing waterfalls thundered into a ravine). time, we decided to stick to the South Island near Our morning drive led us to Milford Sound Queenstown. We met up with local tour company nestled deep in the national park—bounded by Aroha Tours, who helped us set an itinerary. Aroha steep cliffs and dense rainforest—a gateway to the caters all of its tours to its guests, so no two are alike. Tasman Sea. There we boarded a ferry for a cruise We only saw the things we wanted to see and had a around the sound. We watched seals splash around a private tour guide to help us along the way. cluster of rocks and drank glacial water straight from We left from Queenstown on a misty morning, a waterfall. A nature guide provided commentary on heading into the Tolkien-esque landscape at dawn. the various flora and fauna of the area and told us We twisted and turned through mountain passes about the area’s history.
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9781501876967_INT_40 to 41.indd 40 11/1/19 1:03 PM We’ve Come All This Way By Rachel Mullen
After a full day of driving and soaking in the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. Many scenes from scenery, we headed back to the town of Te Anau. The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed in this Accommodations in New Zealand require a bit of a rustic town, and it’s easy to see why. The views were vocabulary lesson to get used to. Hotels and hostels breathtaking. We went for a short hike on one of the are basically the same as in America. Lodges, however, local trails before heading back to Queenstown. are not the log cabin, middle-of-the-woods rustic At dusk, we walked the streets of the city among inns I had in mind. Lodges are the crème de la crème the hundreds of backpackers, hikers, adrenaline of Kiwi boarding. We checked in to the Dock Bay junkies, and sightseers back from a long day of Lodge on the shores of Lake Te Anau, and our every adventures. Through the cobbled streets and along need was immediately met. This gorgeous home was the lakefront, we strolled, tired and content, as the divided into six suites, and our second-floor room sun set on our time down under. had a private balcony that overlooked the lake. The next day, our tour guide drove us to the Rachel Mullen is the Features and Acquisitions Editor of town of Glenorchy. The scenic drive took us to the Christian Living in the Mature Years Magazine.
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9781501876967_INT_40 to 41.indd 41 11/1/19 1:03 PM Must We Always Get Our
Way? By Sheryl Boldt
highway sign tells me to merge into the next earth, even though he had every right to do so. His lane because my lane is ending. Within a death at Calvary is the best example of this. short time, I merge. When we put the needs of others ahead of our own, we demonstrate God’s love in us. Why, then, A“We get injured when we try to do things beyond our abilities,” notes Kim Lombard, an injury are we so quick to catch people not respecting our prevention coordinator at Mayo Clinic. “Often I ways and our rights? hear, ‘I knew I shouldn’t have done it, but I did’ or Instead, shouldn’t we be quick to catch ourselves ‘I knew I should have asked for help.’ People are so when we don’t respect the rights of those around afraid to lose their independence, they don’t want us—including their beliefs and needs? to ask for help, but asking for help actually extends For instance, how many times do I allow people their independence.” to express their opinion, even when I disagree? At Then, close to where the lane ends, several drivers work, how often do I help a coworker succeed or who were behind me before I merged remain in the pray for a competitor to prosper? lane that’s about to end. I see their blinkers, but I How would it change our relationships if we simply practiced good manners by saying, “Please,” refuse to let them in. I merged on time, therefore I “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry”? Or if we saved the last have the right to ignore them (and in a way, punish piece of pie for someone else? How would it change them) for waiting to merge until the last minute. our mood on a crowded interstate if we let the late They should have merged sooner—behind me. I merger in—and smiled while doing it? We just justify my selfish attitude by believing I’m a more might be extending grace to a driver who learned righteous driver than they are. Can you relate? his wife has cancer or to a stressed single mom who First Corinthians 13:5 says, “[Love] doesn’t seek simply missed seeing the earlier merge sign. its own advantage.” The Amplified Bible, Classic What would it cost us to give up our rights just Edition adds, “does not insist on its own rights.” once this week? How much would we gain? What if, instead of insisting on our own rights, we asked God to help us yield our agendas and Sheryl H. Boldt is a sales executive for Wave 94 in northern rights to God’s purposes? Our best model, of course, Florida and author of the blog, is Jesus. He never exerted his rights while living on www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net.
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9781501876967_INT_42.indd 42 11/1/19 1:05 PM Waiting for Test Results (And Other Scary News) By Lori Hatcher o woman ever wants to receive a call back As I waited, the Lord led me to do several things after a mammogram. that helped. If you’re in a waiting time, perhaps N Like many, I treat the annual test like you’ll find them helpful too. my home’s yearly termite inspection—something necessary and responsible, but not worth much I prayed. thought. And when it’s done? Check off the box and move on. “Lord, my life is yours to use however you see fit. Until I got that phone call. I don’t want to have breast cancer. In your mercy, “The radiologist would like you to return for spare me. But if this isn’t your will, help me trust additional scans. Your mammogram shows some you. Give me your peace, and help me not be afraid. changes that concern him. . . .” In the strong name of Jesus, I ask. Amen.” In God’s mercy, the facility I use schedules call- Like a child running into the safety of her father’s back mammograms within five days of the dreaded arms, I flung myself on Jesus. “There’s a monster phone call. But those were five very long days. chasing me,” I admitted, “and I’m scared.” Praying When women get calls like this, some cry. Some reminded me it didn’t matter how big the monster pray. Some update their wills and healthcare powers was; God was bigger. of attorney. All try to keep busy. Activity pushes the After I prayed, I asked God to speak to me fearful thoughts back into the closet. through the Word. I found precious comfort there. www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 43
9781501876967_INT_43 to 45.indd 43 11/1/19 10:58 AM I asked others to pray. I accessed a few online articles on reputable sites, but then I made a deliberate choice not to read anything Not everyone. There would be time later to sound else. Every mammogram website linked to a breast the alarm if the second scan was also suspicious. cancer site, which fueled the flames of fear. There Part of me wanted to keep the news to myself, not would be time to research later if I needed to. wanting to bother anyone, but I knew I needed prayer. Corporate prayer is powerful. I shared my I captured (almost) every thought. situation with a few women who knew how to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Second Corinthians 10:4-5 encouraged me: “Our One friend shared a similar experience, reassuring weapons that we fight with aren’t human, but me that ninety out of one hundred suspicious instead they are powered by God for the destruction mammograms show no cancer. Another prayed with of fortresses. They destroy arguments, and every me immediately, strengthening me with her faith. defense that is raised up to oppose the knowledge Yet another offered to go to the imaging center of God. They capture every thought to make it with me. During my wait and on the morning of obedient to Christ.” We can’t prevent fear from my scan, several texted reminders that they were knocking on our door, but we don’t have to invite praying. it in. For me, fear knocked often during those five Sharing my need with others brought the monster days of waiting. Some days, it would manifest itself out of the closet. It helped me realize that while my as scary thoughts that led me from diagnosis to future was uncertain, I wasn’t facing it alone. If the death in three days or less. Other times, I imagined outcome was favorable, my friends would rejoice dreadful treatment options. with me. If the outcome was concerning, they’d walk It was easy to get caught in the quicksand of panic. with me every step of the journey. To escape, I forced myself to wade toward solid ground. This meant redirecting my thoughts, not I deliberately limited what I read about allowing myself to fret, and reminding myself that no mammograms and breast cancer. matter what happened, God would be with me.
We can’t prevent fear from knocking on our door, but we don’t have to invite it in.
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9781501876967_INT_43 to 45.indd 44 11/1/19 10:58 AM On the morning of the fifth day, as my husband When I looked up, shiny tears sparkled in the and I prayed one more time, a thought occurred to corners of her eyes. me: Maybe this isn’t about me at all. Maybe, instead of Within twenty minutes, Sheila spoke the words me needing the folks at the imaging center, they needed I’d hoped to hear: “You can go now. The doctor says me. everything’s normal.” Pray with the technologist before she does your I may never know the reason for my anxious mammogram, the Spirit of the Lord whispered to me. five days. Maybe I needed to strengthen my resolve I was so sure the prompting came from God that to trust God no matter what. Perhaps I needed a as soon as the technician called me into the room, I greater understanding and empathy for those whose blurted out, “May I pray for you before you do my lives have been impacted by cancer. Not everyone scans?” gets an all-clear like I did. Maybe I needed to Her eyebrows shot up, then scrunched into a be reminded of how faithful God is to believers, puzzled frown. “Pray for me?” she asked. especially in times of crisis. Or maybe Sheila just I suspect many patients pray for themselves, but needed someone to pray for her. perhaps no one had ever offered to pray for her. My experience was a powerful reminder that God She shrugged her shoulders: “OK.” uses all things for good if we trust. So, I did. “God, thank you for Sheila. Bless her today. Enable her to do her job to the best of her ability. Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia Use her skills to help the radiologist make an magazine and the author of two (soon to be three) accurate diagnosis, not just for me, but for every devotional books, including the award-winning, Hungry person she cares for today. In Jesus’ name, I ask. for God . . . Starving for Time: Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. She and her husband live delightfully Amen.” close to their three grandchildren in Lexington, South Carolina.
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9781501876967_INT_43 to 45.indd 45 11/1/19 10:59 AM God’s Driving Lessons By Carol Strazer
t the last second, a big white monster— Still shaking, I drove on. The near accident scared a county truck—caught my eye as it barreled me. Finally, I breathed, as gratitude—to God, who A alongside, forcing my 4Runner almost off helped me avoid an accident and to my husband, the highway. What had been two lanes had become Bob, for his endless driving lessons—replaced fear. I one. No room existed for both of us. Terrified, wanted to give up driving, but if I did and Bob was with all my elderly might, I gripped the steering unavailable or unable to drive, then how would we wheel and stared at the steep shoulder. It was too get to doctors’ appointments, shopping, and church? dangerous to drive off the pavement. And if Bob and I couldn’t drive, we might have to “God, help me,” I yelped. “I’m dead.” move into a care facility. Usually my husband insisted on doing the When I returned home, I began researching driving, but he was on a fishing trip. Since I had safe-driving resources. I did not want to have an medical appointments, it meant a three-hour round accident. According to a report I read, senior drivers, trip from our mountain home to the clinic. This was compared to younger 25- to 64-year-olds, are my first journey of what would be many more. seventeen times more likely to experience a fatality Swerve to the right. Don’t jerk the steering wheel or (www.SeniorDriving.AAA.com). you’ll roll, flashed through my horrified brain. Even though in 2009 seniors were the safest I swerved. And I managed to stay, just barely, on drivers—wore seat belts, observed speed limits, the pavement. If I hadn’t, I would’ve been roadkill. didn’t drink and drive, avoided dangerous In that instant, I recalled my husband’s advice not to situations—58 percent of driver fatalities were those jerk the wheel. If the huge truck had been any closer, over sixty-five. Seniors may be the safest drivers, but disaster. Our side-view mirrors nearly kissed. even in a minor collision, their age-related medical At the same time, I hit my horn. As if from conditions make them more likely to become a nowhere, a disembodied voice said, “Is there a statistic. problem? Can I help?” Years ago, when my husband and I completed Who was this? A guardian angel? No, it was my an AARP Safe Driving Class for Seniors, our GPS system that had been directing me to the clinic. insurance company gave us a discount. Also, as it Oh my gosh. Was she listening? Did I swear? What had been a long time since I’d passed my driver’s would the ladies at church say? test, I downloaded and reviewed our state’s Colorado
46 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_46 to 47.indd 46 11/1/19 11:00 AM Driver Handbook. Then, I signed up and took a AAA online defensive-driving course. Although it took some hours to complete, I found the interactive Safe Driving online model greatly improved my aptitude, Tips for Seniors attitude, and awareness. Designed for flexibility, the program allowed me to take the course over a To be a safe, independent driver, week—whenever I had time. take an online or on-site safe- To maintain our independent lifestyle—and driving class, review your state’s my husband’s fishing and my writing days—we driving laws, get an annual improved our defensive-driving skills. We didn’t physical, maintain your car, want to injure others or be injured in a car accident. practice defensive driving, check Today, before I start the engine, I’m thankful for out alternative transportation newfound knowledge, renewed confidence, and faith options, and pray for God’s as I recall, “TheLord will protect you from all evil; driving lessons. God will protect your very life” (Psalm 121:7). God Some useful resources continues to help us live in the mountains. offered by AARP, AAA, and By the way, now I’m giving my husband driving several independent companies, lessons. for varying fees, are online defensive-driving classes. Carol Strazer has written articles for newspapers and Also, AARP provides on-site magazines, including Woman’s Day, Power for Living, classes. Call 800-350-7025 for and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Recently, Colorado a course near you or for AARP Independent Publishers Association gave her second book, Driver Safety Online Defensive Mountain Smiles and Tears, two EVVY awards. Carol is Driving Course class at https:// a retired health educator, therapist, author, and a volunteer aarpdriversafety.org/. supporting her mountain mission church. After the successful completion of a driving course, some automobile insurance companies will reduce your premium, but check with your agent first. To find a recent issue of your state’s drivers’ handbook, go online or contact your department of motor vehicles. To arrange other means of transportation, check your phone directory or Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/ eldercare-locator.
www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 47
9781501876967_INT_46 to 47.indd 47 11/1/19 11:01 AM BLOOD CLOT RISK FACTORS
lood clots can affect anyone and may lead to Recent hospital stays. Roughly fifty percent of significant health problems, but some people life-threatening blood clots happen within three are at higher risk for life-threatening blood months of a hospitalization, surgery, or traumatic Bclots. injury, though only one in four adults knows that One in four people worldwide die of conditions hospitalization is a risk factor for VTE. Hospital caused by blood clots, also known by the medical term patients at the greatest risk are those with limited “thrombosis.” In fact, thrombosis is the third leading ability to move, people with previous history of vascular diagnosis after heart attack and stroke, blood clots, patients age sixty and older, people according to the American Heart Association. who have abnormal blood-clotting conditions, and There are two types of life-threatening blood clots, patients who have spent time in an intensive care or also called venous thromboembolism (VTE). Deep coronary care unit. vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a clot in a deep vein in the leg, arm, or other large vein. A pulmonary embolism, Cancer diagnosis. Cancer patients typically spend or PE, occurs when a clot breaks free and travels to the significant time in the hospital, which often means lungs, blocking some or all of the blood supply. they are lying still for long periods and are more Although VTE can be fatal, many, if not most, likely to have surgery or receive chemotherapy, cases are preventable. Talk with a healthcare provider which also increases risks. Cancers in bones, to understand your risk and use this information ovaries, the brain, or pancreas and lymph nodes from the American are associated with the Heart Association highest incidence of a to understand the Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) life-threatening blood circumstances that may clot. lead to higher risk. If you have concerns Extended travel. about your risk for Traveling longer than blood clots, especially if eight hours, whether by you have multiple risk plane, car, bus, or train, factors, consult with your can increase risks for life- healthcare provider about threatening blood clots. how to lower the risk. Being seated for long Learn more at heart.org/ periods can slow blood bloodclotrisk. flow, and high altitudes can activate the body’s Source: Family Features blood-clotting system. Consider wearing compression socks or finding time to stretch or walk around when traveling to aid in proper blood flow.
48 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_48.indd 48 11/1/19 11:08 AM . Puzzle Time erse Crypto le V gram Bib s By Christina Galeone [All verses from the Common English Bible.]
Hints: Z = T and G = E
“J LHI GIAMKG HNN ZFGOG ZFJIBO ZFKRMBF ZFG
VRSGK RD ZFG RIG SFR BJQGO XG OZKGIBZF.”
VFJNJVVJHIO 4:13
Hints: Z = W and K = H
“ZU OFXZ VKTV CXQ ZXPOD TWW VKBFCD VXCUVKUP
IXP CXXQ IXP VKU XFUD ZKX WXAU CXQ, IXP VKXDU
ZKX TPU ETWWUQ TEEXPQBFC VX KBD JLPJXDU.”
PXNTFD 8:28
Hints: C = T and X = L
“P YSFA KW CDSC CDAH YWIXN DSUA XPLA –
PZNAAN, KW CDSC CDAH YWIXN XPUA XPLA CW
CDA LIXXAKC.”
MWDZ 10:10 Answers are on page 50.
www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 49
9781501876967_INT_49 to 50.indd 49 11/6/19 1:47 PM . Puzzle Time erse Crypto le V gram Bib s Answers to the cryptograms on page 49.
Answer: “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13, CEB
Answer: “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, CEB
Answer: “I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.” John 10:10, CEB
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9781501876967_INT_49 to 50.indd 50 11/1/19 1:06 PM 5 TIPS TO REDUCE LITTER AND PROTECT THE OCEANS
he tide of environmental studies showing 2. Choose reusable containers. Taking advantage the harmful effects of litter and mismanaged of reusable containers for food and beverages is Twaste on oceans are seemingly everywhere. one way to live a more eco-friendly life. Since For example, eight million metric tons of plastics only nine percent of plastic bottles are recycled, wind up in streams, rivers, and waterways each year, according to National Geographic, reusable according to research published in Science. containers can serve as an ideal replacement for According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic bottled water whether at home or on-the-go. product consumption is predicted to double over the next ten years. With the health of the oceans 3. Reduce your single-use footprint. Whenever closely tied to the health of the environment, marine possible, bring reusable bags and containers to the life, and humans, making choices that help reduce store. Some foods like cereal, pasta, and rice can ocean pollution is one way to make an impact. In be purchased from bulk bins and placed in a glass fact, research from the Plastic Free July Foundation or stainless-steel storage container. shows that more than six in ten people refuse plastic 4. Recycle better. Learn what you can and can’t shopping bags, avoid prepacked fruit and vegetables, recycle in your community. Certain items like pick up litter, and avoid buying water in plastic disposable cups, greasy pizza boxes, nonrecyclable bottles. plastic containers (like those for yogurt), and “Mismanaged packaging waste is a threat to take-out containers can contaminate entire our oceans and the overall health of our planet,” batches of recycling. About 91 percent of plastic said Lynn Bragg, president of the Glass Packaging is not recycled and can linger in the environment Institute. “We can all make a difference by changing for hundreds of years, contributing to ocean the type of food and beverage packaging we buy, pollution. opting for reusable and refillable containers, following local recycling guidelines, and helping 5. Get involved. Volunteering or donating can help keep beaches and waterways clean.” keep local beaches, parks, and waterways clean. The following tips from the Glass Packaging Getting involved with international and national Institute are just a few ways to contribute. groups with local chapters is another way to participate in a cleanup. 1. Think about the packaging you choose.When making a purchase, consider alternatives to Find out more about the benefits of choosing plastic like glass or other natural and sustainable and reusing glass packaging to help reduce ocean packaging. pollution at upgradetoglass.com.
Source: Family Features
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9781501876967_INT_51.indd 51 11/1/19 12:57 PM PSALM 36:5-9
But your loyal love, Lord, extends to the skies; your faithfulness reaches the clouds. Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea. Lord, you save both humans and animals. Your faithful love is priceless, God! Humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the bounty of your house; you let them drink from your river of pure joy. Within you is the spring of life. In your light, we see light.
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9781501876967_INT_52.indd 52 11/1/19 12:57 PM s Bible Lessons Life BY MIKE POTEET
IKE POTEET is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a member of the Presbytery of MPhiladelphia. He currently serves the larger church as a curriculum writer, including regularly contributing to FaithLink, LinC, Bible Lessons for Youth, and Christian Living in the Mature Years. He, his wife, and their two children live near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
UNIT 1: Suffering 1. March 1 Expulsion from the Garden 55 2. March 8 Jesus in Gethsemane 58 3. March 15 The Israelites in the ildernessW 61 4. March 22 Jesus in the Wilderness 64 5. March 29 The People of Judah Are Exiled 67
UNIT 2: Salvation 6. April 5 Jesus Dies on a Cross 70 7. April 12 Jesus’ Resurrection 73 Scripture quotations in this section marked NRSV 8. April 19 Rebuilding the Temple 76 are taken from the New Revised Standard Version 9. April 26 John Prepares the Way for Christ 79 Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved UNIT 3: Grace worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org. 10. May 3 The River of Life-giving aterW 82 Scripture quotations in this section marked KJV 11. May 10 God’s Grace Toward Adam, Eve, and Cain 85 are taken from The Authorized (King James) 12. May 17 God Provides Food in the Wilderness 88 Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. 13. May 24 Grace to the Dying Thief 91 Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s 14. May 31 The Holy Spirit nspiresI Jesus’ Followers 94 patentee, Cambridge University Press.
Unless otherwise noted, all Bible background information comes from The New Interpreter’s Bible, The New Interpreter’s Study Bible, The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, or The CEB Study Bible.
Spring 2020 53
9781501876967_INT_P53.indd 53 11/1/19 1:10 PM Daily Meditations | February 24–March 1
Monday | Psalm 104:24-30 Scientists estimate some 8.7 million different species live on Earth.1 What unites this mind- boggling menagerie? God created and sustains them all. Creator God, thank you for this world’s glorious diversity of life. Help me to live as a good caretaker of it.
Tuesday | Genesis 3:1-7 The man and woman failed to trust God to care and provide for them, seeking instead to become like God themselves. We human beings have been trying ever since, and it only increases our suffering. Loving God, when I am tempted to doubt your goodness, keep me aware of how you provide and how you are present.
Wednesday | Genesis 3:8-19 Every Ash Wednesday, God confronts us, as God confronted Eve and Adam, with the inescapable truth of our mortality. The promise of resurrection we have in Christ doesn’t relieve us of our responsibility to live obediently to God in this life we have already been given, in this world God so loves. May your Spirit, O God, lead me to repent and return to you, this day and all days, until I return to the dust from which you formed me.
Thursday | Genesis 3:20-24 God made the tree of life inaccessible to the human beings out of concern for their well-being. Only God is immortal (1 Timothy 6:16). The fact that our lives are finite are not failings, but part of God’s good plan. Immortal God, help me cherish this mortal life as the gift you intend it to be.
Friday | Ezekiel 28:11-19 Through the prophet, God compared the fall from splendor and power by the king of Tyre to the privileged position the first humans originally enjoyed in Eden. This king’s sin took the form of corrupt trade practices (verse 18), but the root cause was the same tendency to self- exaltation to which Adam and Eve yielded (verse 17). Keep me mindful, O God, that you alone are high and holy, and that all mortal beauty only reflects your greater glory.
Saturday | Ezekiel 31:2-13 The ancient Assyrian empire was glorious—so much so, even Eden’s trees envied it (verse 9). But this passage says it fell because it did not acknowledge God as the source of its success, and gave in to overwhelming pride. Prosperous and powerful nations must never mistake themselves for God. Sovereign God, keep this nation genuinely humble before you, and use it for your good purposes.
Sunday | Revelation 2:1-7 It is easy for things to become routine, to forget “the high point” (verse 5) when we first came to know Christ. When this happens, Christ reminds us to “do the things [we] did at first” and “change [our] hearts and lives” (verse 5). Faithful God, forgive me when my commitment wavers, and remind me of the ways I can draw closer to you.
Key Verse: The Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to farm the fertile land from which he was taken. { He drove out the human.} (Genesis 3:23-24) 54 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_54_56.indd 54 11/1/19 11:59 AM Lesson 1 | March 1 Lesson 8 | January 20 EXPULSION FROM THE GARDEN Lesson: Genesis 3:8-24 • Background: Genesis 3:1-24 At one level, we can read Genesis 3 as suffering’s sharper. So it’s tempting to read the story of what “origin story.” The chapter is only one part of a longer happened at the tree in the middle of the garden as a narrative about the first human family (Genesis kind of “just so story” about suffering. We can almost 2:4b–4:16), but it’s the pivot, the turning point. imagine a narrator saying, “And that’s how human Before Genesis 3, the man and woman lived in beings came to know pain.” harmony with each other, with their fellow creatures But the story itself never makes this claim. in the beautiful garden paradise for which God called While some very specific kinds of suffering—in them to care, and with God, who enjoyed strolling work, in procreation, in male-female relationships— through the garden in the human beings’ company in characterize life after Eden, nowhere does the story the cool evenings (3:8). say it attempts to account for all suffering everywhere. But after Genesis 3, the woman and man no In fact, some modern biblical scholars argue if this longer live in paradise. The man’s relationship to the is an “origin story,” it’s more a story told to explain earth from which God shaped him has changed. God the changes human societies experienced when they still calls him to “farm” it (2:15 and 3:23), but the shifted from “hunter-gatherer” to agriculture-based farming will now be labor-intensive, as though the models.2 ground resents the curse the man’s actions brought It may not even be a story about the origin of upon it and will no longer yield life-sustaining death, though the apostle Paul and most Christian produce without a fight. doctrine after him read it that way (Romans 5:12-14; The woman, too, is going to suffer. She’ll feel pain 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). In the story, death is simply during pregnancy and in childbirth; her labor also a “given” of human existence, and the only question leads to life, and now also involves struggle. And she about it seems to be when it will come (Genesis 2:17). will suffer reduced status. The man will now “rule But on some day, sooner or later, the human beings over” her (3:16). Maybe the man treated the woman who were formed from the soil will inevitably return with love and tenderness the rest of their days; maybe to it (3:19). God sent Adam and Eve away so they he “lorded it over” her as too many men do over won’t eat the fruit that would make them immortal women—Scripture is silent on the subject. But before (verses 22-23), meaning they were mortal at the time, Genesis 3, the woman and man lived as equals; after presumably as God intended and created them to be. Genesis 3, the man was elevated over the woman—he But even if this story doesn’t answer our questions even named her (verse 20), as he named the animals about why suffering is universal and why “pain is what (2:19)—in what the story clearly identifies as a it’s all about,” it still tells us something important deviation from God’s good will, not an embodiment about suffering. It shows us God’s presence with and of it. grace toward us when we suffer, even when we bring Toilsome farming. Painful childbirth. Strained, pain and suffering on ourselves. superior-subordinate relationships. These are ways Granted, only someone willfully misreading suffering intrudes on human life after Genesis 3. And Genesis 3 could claim the story’s tone is gentle or the suffering continues and intensifies as Adam and upbeat, or that grace is its dominant theme. Verses Eve’s sons, Cain and Abel, become the world’s first 14-19 contain God’s forceful judgment against the murderer and murder victim (4:3-5, 8). By the time snake who instigated the whole unhappy business (the the first family’s story ends, the overall biblical narrative story doesn’t tell us why; all identifications of the snake has reached a point at which self-inflicted pain and with Satan came much later) and against the human suffering so saturate the world and its people, God beings who went along with it. God dealt out painful grieves the decision to create the human race and sends penalties all around, not least of which was Eve and a flood to make an almost entirely new start (see 6:5-8). Adam’s one-way passage out of paradise. The differences between humanity’s experience But reading the story fully and fairly, we see proof of the world before and after Genesis 3 couldn’t be of God’s love even as God judges. Humans, starting www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 55
9781501876967_INT_54_56.indd 55 11/1/19 11:59 AM with progenitors Adam and Eve, hide from God For whatever reason, suffering is universal. Pain because we know we’ve done wrong and don’t feel won’t go away in this world, in our lives. And Genesis brave enough to face the consequences or those we’ve 3 tells us God won’t, either. The man and woman left hurt. Even so, God did not hide from them, but God’s garden, but they didn’t leave God’s care. God called out, “Where are you?” (verse 9). God sought to continued to be with them, as God continues to be start a conversation, to stay connected, even when the with us as we make our way through this suffering- man and woman would rather stay silent. scarred world. God provided clothes for the naked and ashamed Our suffering, our pain, doesn’t scare God away humans, dressing them in warm and durable animal from us. God still calls to us, still protects us, still skins (verse 21) to replace the fig leaves they hurriedly guides us for our own good. This we especially believe stitched together (verse 7). God didn’t leave them as Christians because of another turning point, at completely exposed or vulnerable when expelling another tree, on which Jesus hung and suffered more them into the world where they will suffer. God deeply than we will ever have to, so that, one day, we provided for them, giving them protection better will be with God in paradise again (Luke 23:43). than they were able to give themselves. Even the eviction from Eden emerged as a kind of grace. God drove Adam and Eve away from the tree of life before they could eat its fruit and thus condemn themselves to never dying in a world deeply scarred by suffering. Surely, given this reality, the cherubim who blocked the way to the tree of life with flaming swords were a sign of divine mercy (verse 24). And maybe Genesis 3 refuses to explain all suffering for a similar reason. Would an explanation actually help us when we’re in pain? Is this what we want: “Well, you see, if only Adam and Eve hadn’t eaten the forbidden fruit, you’d be much better off right now”? Think about people who have helped you 1. Science Daily, “How many species on Earth? About 8.7 million, new estimate says,” August 24, 2011; https://www.sciencedaily.com/ most when you’ve suffered. Haven’t they been the releases/2011/08/110823180459.htm ones who stay with you in your suffering—to listen, 2. How to Read the Bible, James L. Kugel (New York: Free Press, 2007), to empathize, to comfort, to encourage, to help? 55.
Maturing in Faith I also recognize my attempts to hide myself from The older we grow, the more we can see ourselves in other people. As the man and woman covered their Adam and Eve. When I read their story, I find myself bodies in shame, I’ve sometimes refused to show more sympathetic than I used to be toward their myself openly and honestly to other people, even the attempts to hide (verse 8). people I care most about, because I’ve been convinced I’ve made enough mistakes and deliberately bad no one would want to see. choices by this point in life to know, as the human I’ve grown the most as a person and as a Christian beings in the garden found out, that hiding from them when I own up to my faults, as hard as that can be, never works out in the long run—but I can remember, and reveal who I really am to others, as scary as that and sometimes still feel, the temptation to try and hide can seem. Have you found the same to be true? anyway. When we try to hide from the truth, from each It’s not just the physical attempt to hide from other, and from God, we only make our suffering God that I recognize from my own experience. It’s the worse. May Adam and Eve’s story motivate us to stay attempt to hide from responsibility. As Eve blamed open to life and to the world, to those who live in it the snake and Adam blamed Eve, I’ve sometimes been with us, and to the One from whom we cannot hide quick to try and blame others for—or at least heavily even “at the farthest limits of the sea” (Psalm 139:9, implicate them in—my own failings. NRSV).
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9781501876967_INT_54_56.indd 56 11/1/19 11:59 AM Daily Meditations | March 2–8 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Psalm 61:1-5 Psalm 61 begins with a command to listen—an imperative not from God, but to God. What makes the psalm-singer bold to demand God’s attention? Both the urgency of his present suffering and the memory of God’s past faithfulness. O God, give us confidence to cry to you in prayer when we suffer, trusting you will answer and save.
Tuesday | John 17:1-8 Jesus’ prayer puts the pain he is about to undergo in perspective. In his suffering and death, he will glorify God (John 3:16) by making God’s will to save the world fully visible. Jesus’ work of suffering glorified God in an unrepeatable way, but we can pray God would use our suffering to reveal God’s power and love. Glorify yourself in us, O God, even when we suffer.
Wednesday | John 17:9-19 Jesus paints a stark picture of the world’s hatred for his followers. How do his words match your experience? While God doesn’t call us to court opposition actively, does our faith—and our faithful action—make it clear we “don’t belong to this world” (verse 14)? God our Protector, keep us from being afraid to suffer for the sake of keeping your word.
Thursday | John 17:20-26 Jesus prayed for us! Not just by virtue of praying for his disciples in first-century Palestine, but for we who believe in him because of their testimony. He prayed we would know the unity he knew with his Father. Holy God, bind your church more closely together, that we may more clearly show the world your love.
Friday | Matthew 26:36-39 Christian faith doesn’t encourage suffering for its own sake. How could it, when Jesus himself prayed to be spared? But it does encourage obedience to God’s will, even when obedience means risking pain. May we never cling so closely to our comfort, O God, that we fail to follow you into the painful places where true life with you awaits.
Saturday | Matthew 26:40-46 As he taught his disciples to do, Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done on earth. He did not pray in weak resignation, but in the conviction that, as difficult as it may be, God’s will brings about what is good for God and for the world. O God, increase our trust in your perfect and loving will.
Sunday | Luke 22:39-43 Not all ancient manuscripts of Luke’s Gospel include the appearance of an angel who comforted Jesus as he prayed. Textual questions aside, the image is welcome as a symbol of how prayer can bring us into God’s presence right away when we are suffering. We may or may not see angels, but we believe God hears and cares for us. Comfort us in our suffering, O God, that we may be strengthened to comfort others. Key Verse: [Jesus] began to feel sad and anxious. Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.” { (Matthew 26:37-38)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 57
9781501876967_INT_57_59.indd 57 11/6/19 1:51 PM Lesson 2 | March 8 JESUS IN GETHSEMANE Lesson: Matthew 26:36-46 • Background: Same In the church sanctuary where I worshipped as a child “seemed” (Greek, dokeo) to be human. Nevertheless, was a large stained glass window that pictured Jesus the Gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ private prayer on praying in the garden of Gethsemane. In the window’s the night of his arrest show us Jesus was a man who warm, softly-glowing panes, Jesus knelt with hands suffered. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all describe the clasped, a shaft of golden light from above piercing the incident, and leave no doubt: Jesus was suffering hours dark night to shine on his decidedly serene face. before he was nailed to the cross. He saw the horror in No hint of hesitation. No trace of trauma. If this front of him, and it scared him. Jesus felt “sad and anxious,” as Matthew tells us Jesus No, the evangelists don’t show him railing loudly felt (verse 37), he gave no sign of it. He certainly didn’t against God as he does in Jesus Christ Superstar. look so anguished his sweat fell like drops of blood, as But neither do they show him meekly awaiting his Luke relates (Luke 22:44). No, this Jesus patiently and fate as he did in that stained glass window from my peacefully gazed heavenward in silent acceptance of his childhood. As Jesus confided to his closest disciples, Father’s will. he was “deeply grieved, even to death” (Matthew Contrast the Gethsemane in that window with the 26:38, NRSV). He was already in pain—emotional, song, “Gethsemane,” Jesus’ major solo in the musical, psychological, spiritual—and he prayed God would, if Jesus Christ Superstar. In “Gethsemane,” Jesus laments possible, spare him. the way his ministry has depressed and demoralized Each evangelist tells the Crucifixion story slightly him. He demands answers from God about what differently. (John mentions the anguished prayer his impending death means. He pleads to be spared, earlier; see John 12:27-28). In one detail, Matthew before savagely telling God to give him this “cup of notably deviates from Mark, his probable source, by poison” before Jesus changes his mind. asking Peter, James, and John to “keep alert with me” Which Jesus is more like the one you picture when (Matthew 26:38, italics added). you read today’s Bible text? Which Jesus is more like With me. It’s a minor addition, but it brings a the one in whom you believe, the one to whom you core truth about suffering into focus. When we suffer, pray? A Jesus who can feel gripped by grief, heartache, we shouldn’t have to suffer alone. Whenever anyone even rage . . . or a Jesus who remains completely suffers in solitude, without companionship from his untroubled and untouched by suffering, even his own? or her fellow human beings, we see another sign of In theory, the idea of Jesus’ suffering should never how broken this fallen world is, for God declared at have scandalized Christians. He died as a victim of a our race’s creation, “It’s not good that the human is Roman execution method so painful, a new word had alone” (Genesis 2:18). Pain and suffering aren’t part of to be coined to describe it: excruciating. (You can see God’s design for the world, but neither is facing it by cruc or crux, the Latin word for “cross,” in the middle ourselves. And so Jesus, when he suffers, seeks support of it.) His crucifixion is a key element of the earliest from those closest to him. proclamations of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3; Preachers and teachers frequently point to the Philippians 2:8; Acts 2:23-24). Both the ancient and story of Jesus’ agony in the garden as a lesson in how honored Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds spotlight it. to pray. Jesus was, they say, showing us how to submit But believers’ acceptance of Jesus’ suffering hasn’t ourselves, as he ultimately did, to God’s will instead of always come easily. The apostle Paul declared Jesus’ our own. And he is. But he’s also showing us how to death “a scandal to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” handle suffering. (1 Corinthians 1:23). The author of Hebrews argues, Jesus didn’t deny or ignore his suffering. Instead, at length, it was “appropriate” for God to perfect he named it and reached out to other people he Jesus through “experiences of suffering” (Hebrews thought could share it with him—not in its fullness, 2:10). And early Christians who promoted a school because his suffering was unique (as everyone’s is), but of thought called “docetism” believed they were fully, truly, to the extent they can. That they proved safeguarding Jesus’ divine nature by saying he’d only unable to “stay alert one hour with [him]” (Matthew 58 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_57_59.indd 58 11/1/19 12:46 PM 26:40) didn’t negate Jesus’ positive decision to tell his were, in effect, telling eachLesson other, “I’m 8 | veryJanuary sad. It’s 20 as friends he was troubled and to ask for the kind of help if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.” And he needed from them. they did—and so, slowly, they helped each other heal. If Jesus reached out to other people for help when It’s not good for us to be alone when we suffer. he was suffering, how much more should you and I Jesus knew this and showed us how to reach out to when we suffer? Sometimes the people we reach out to others for support. He didn’t find it from his friends may “fall asleep” on us, as Jesus’ friends failed him. But that night—their spirits were eager; their flesh, weak. other times, people will “stay awake” and suffer with us, You and I won’t always find it from others, either. But and their presence can help us through our pain and sometimes we will, making it more than worth the risk even, in time, bring healing. of naming our pain and asking for help. When my son was a high school junior, his best And we will always find Jesus more than ready friend killed himself. He had graduated only days to respond when we tell him our pain and reach out earlier and was looking forward to attending his first- to him for help. He is no stained glass Savior, but choice college in the fall. None of his friends, my son one who has suffered as we have—we, the sons and included, had ever imagined he would take his own daughters he is “leading to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). life. The loss and confusion and anger they felt was raw and overpowering. My son learned the terrible news first thing on a Saturday morning. He spent almost that entire weekend on our living room couch, wrapped in a blanket, looking at TV—I don’t think he actively “watched” much of anything. My wife and I sat with him some of the time, but didn’t push him to talk about the suicide any more than he wanted to. That Sunday evening, one of the dead boy’s friends asked our son to come to his house. And over the following days and weeks, more and more of the friends met together, in larger groups each time. I don’t know what they said to each other. I think they
Maturing in Faith out ministries of compassion. Fred has made visiting Reading about Jesus’ anguish as he prayed in older, retired men like himself his special ministry. He Gethsemane can give us strength and hope when we has more daytime hours free than other deacons, and face our own emotional and spiritual turmoil. But in understands how lonely these men sometimes feel. He doesn’t wait for them to request a visit through the his experience, we can also hear his call to be disciples church office. He takes the initiative to get together for who, unlike Peter and the sons of Zebedee, “stay lengthy visits with them. awake” with people who suffer. He’s told me he spends a lot of time in those visits Being fully present with and attentive to people just listening. “A lot of these guys are really hurting who suffer isn’t easy. Other people’s suffering can inside,” he says, “and they just don’t feel they have startle or scare us. It can make us anxious and anyone to talk to. It’s a privilege for me to be able to uncomfortable. But if it isn’t good for us to be alone give them that.” when we suffer, it’s also not good for others. If we are It is a privilege to “stay awake” with others who growing as Jesus’ followers, we’ll realize we don’t need suffer. As the apostle Paul taught the Corinthians, it’s to wait for people who suffer to ask us to “stay awake” nothing less than offering them “the same comfort that with them. We will reach out to them before they we ourselves received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). reach out to us. Fred is a deacon in the congregation I attend. In our tradition (Presbyterian), deacons are ordained church officers whose sole responsibility is carrying
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9781501876967_INT_57_59.indd 59 11/1/19 12:46 PM Daily Meditations | March 9–15
Monday | Exodus 17:1-7 When our suffering is immediate and intense, as the Israelites’ thirst was, it’s easy to forget how God has acted for us in the past, and to doubt God will continue to sustain us. When suffering threatens to turn our hearts to stone, generous Savior, bring refreshing memories of your grace and prepare us for new experiences of your power.
Tuesday | Numbers 14:1-4 Why would the Israelites want to return to where they suffered for so long as slaves? Sometimes we’re tempted to choose a familiar but painful past over the future to which God is calling us. God of the future, grant us the courage to risk the unknown in order to follow where you lead.
Wednesday | Psalm 78:12-22 We may read the psalm-singer’s recitation of miracles God performed for Israel and wonder how the people could ever have spoken against God. But are we confident we haven’t dismissed less dramatic, but no less decisive, miracles in the same way? Keep us alert, O God, to the subtle and surprising ways you work wonders in our world and our lives.
Thursday | Psalm 78:23-30 God more than satisfied the Israelites’ actual need for food and drink in the wilderness, but didn’t satisfy their desire for excess. What do we think we need more of in order to be satisfied with life, or with ourselves? May our deepest desire be always to do your will and to know your love, faithful God.
Friday | Numbers 21:4-9 This story marks the last time the Israelites grumbled against Moses and God. It marks the last time some members of the generation that left Egypt said anything (see Numbers 26:64-65). How will you leave, for those who come after you, a legacy of praise and obedience to God? Eternal God, may we always live so that our faithfulness inspires others to be faithful to you as well.
Saturday | John 3:9-15 Artists often depict the pole on which Moses raised the bronze serpent as being shaped like a cross, because Jesus first drew the connection between the story and his own suffering. When we contemplate your cross, Lord Jesus, may we see, beyond and through its horror and pain, the gift of life lived always with you.
Sunday | 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Paul says the Israelites who were killed by the snakes tested Christ (verse 9). His apparent anachronism reminds us that the “Old Testament God” and the “New Testament God” are, of course, one and the same. Our God always takes sin seriously, judges it, and provides a way through it to life and salvation. We praise you for your eternal holiness and love, God of Israel, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Key Verse: So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people and they bit the people. Many of the Israelites died. { (Numbers 21:6)} 60 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_60_62.indd 60 11/6/19 1:57 PM Lesson 3 | March 15 Lesson 8 | January 20 THE ISRAELITES IN THE WILDERNESS Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 • Background: Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:9-15 Even though only some two hundred of the world’s 16). For that matter, God miraculously gave them a three-thousand-plus snake species can “kill or military victory over their enemies immediately before significantly wound a human” (according to National this story (21:1-3), and still they complained. Geographic)1, something about these slithering citizens The people weren’t merely venting frustration. of the animal kingdom sparks a deep-seated distaste They were once again rejecting God’s guidance and in so many people. Scientific research suggests even goodness. They were testing God, as they did when infants experience, if not fear, at least observable stress they stood on the cusp of Canaan but let their fear at the sight of snakes (and spiders too).2 Centuries keep them from entering it (see Numbers 14). They of evolution have heightened our awareness of and were choosing resentment over gratitude, impatience aversion to creatures who could do us harm. over obedience. They were rebelling against God, and When we read today’s story from Numbers, this the story depicts God acting to put their rebellion instinctual avoidance alone might be enough to make down. us ask, “Why’d it have to be snakes?” But when I read When TV preachers, politicians, and self- this story, I find myself asking that question for a appointed moral pundits draw direct lines between different reason. people’s suffering and their sin, I think Christians It’s the unflinching way the narrator explains the should be skeptical. Certainly, I don’t picture God sudden snake infestation among the Israelites: It was busily smiting sinners with disease and natural God’s doing. God sent “poisonous” snakes (verse 6)— disasters, not least because I know I’m a sinner, too, the Hebrew adjective can also be translated “fiery,” a and I’d hate to think God has me targeted in some suitable description for the pain of a serpent’s bite—as heavenly crosshairs. punishment for the people’s grumbling. But I can’t rewrite this story. Whatever God does We can likely empathize with the Israelites’ or doesn’t do other times, or even most of the time, complaints. They’re hot. They’re hungry and thirsty. God is seen as directly causing suffering this time. If And they’re tired of wandering in the wilderness. the idea of sin means anything, it must at least mean They’ve been wandering for decades now, long enough God is opposed to it, judges it, and punishes it. for a brand-new generation to have begun taking the And this time, God opposes, judges, and punishes place of the generation that remembers what life in sin through creatures who often disgust and disturb Egypt was like. Not long before this incident, the us, whose fangs fill us with fear before they ever fill us community had finished a month of mourning for with venom. In the end, no matter how attractive it Moses’ brother Aaron (20:29). Perhaps Aaron’s death seems, sin is always ugly and frightening and deadly, underscored just how long this journey to a Promised because it is always at odds with God’s good will. Land was taking; maybe it made the people feel more Maybe it’s only fitting that God here uses ugly and anxious or more despondent, and made them feel even frightening creatures to judge sin—creatures who even more “impatient on the road” (verse 4). confront us with the memory of our first sin, in Eden But for all that we might understand why the so long ago, as they slither through the dust on their people grumbled, we shouldn’t miss the story’s stomachs (Genesis 3:14). insistence that their grumbling is sinful. We can’t But by this story’s end, seeing a snake means forget it’s only the latest in a long series of resentful something very different. rumblings since the people left Egypt—where, they If Moses hadn’t been following God’s instructions seem to forget, they had been slaves. It’s not even when he cast the bronze serpent, he might have been the first time they had complained about what they fairly accused of violating the divine commandment will drink and what they will eat; they only have against manufacturing images of any creature (Exodus “this miserable bread” to disparage because God has 20:4; Deuteronomy 5:8). The bronze snake seems miraculously been giving it to them (see Exodus like something more at home in the ancient, snake-
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9781501876967_INT_60_62.indd 61 11/1/19 12:47 PM venerating cults archaeologists have unearthed the terrible truth about our own rebellions against evidence of in the Middle East.3 Centuries later, King God. Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent during his But his elevation on the cross began his exaltation reforms of Judah’s worship, because it had become an back to heaven, from where he came (3:13) and object of idolatry (2 Kings 18:4). where he promised to go ahead of us (14:2). And The Israelites who first saw the bronze snake so, lifted up on his cross, he is beautiful, in an odd were not worshipping it. They were following God’s way, for he shows us he has made sin powerless over plan for healing: “If a snake bit someone, that person us. We see the symbol of our sin and the suffering could look at the bronze snake and live” (verse 9). it caused transformed, by grace, into the sign of our Why does God choose to deliver the people in this salvation. way? One final time: Why did it have to be a snake? I can’t claim any definitive answer, but I think I glimpse a powerful psychological and spiritual truth in the fact that, in order to be healed, the people must first face a reminder of their ugly and frightening and deadly sin. But of course, this snake cannot harm them. It is powerless over them. More than that, it’s likely even beautiful, in an odd way, cast as it is in precious metal, no doubt gleaming brightly in the hot 1. National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ wilderness sun. The people see the symbol of their sin animals/reptiles/group/snakes and the suffering it caused transformed, by grace, into 2. National Geographic, “Babies Confirm: Fear of Snakes the sign of their salvation. and Spiders Is Hardwired,” Sarah Gibbens, https://news. And perhaps that’s why Jesus, a devout Jew who nationalgeographic.com/2017/10/infant-fear-phobia-science-snakes- video-spd/ knew his people’s history, used this story to talk about 3. ABC Science, “Snake cults once common in Middle what people who believed in him would see when East,” Jennifer Viegas, http://www.abc.net.au/science/ they saw him “lifted up” (John 3:14). He was elevated articles/2007/05/18/1926969.htm on a Roman cross because of our sin. He suffered 4. Alcohol.org, “Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) & the 12 Steps,” there in an ugly and frightening and deadly way, and Nicolle Monico, last updated July 14, 2019; https://www.alcohol. when we see him on his cross, we are confronted with org/alcoholics-anonymous/
Maturing in Faith addiction.4 Looking at and naming the sin precedes The people’s confession of sin (Numbers 21:7) any progress toward health. precedes their looking squarely at Moses’ bronze Within Christianity, this same dynamic is why serpent to find healing and life. As we mature in faith, many Christian worship services include corporate we may discover that looking squarely at our sin and prayers of general confession followed by a period of its consequences sometimes comes before repentance. silence in which worshippers confess their specific, In fact, it can spark it. We cannot feel or express regret personal sin. The point isn’t to make people feel bad for what we have done, let alone stop doing it, until for the sake of feeling bad, but to affirm the necessity we have looked at it, fully and frankly. of facing our sin. Only then can we greet a pastor or This insight is not the exclusive property of our priest’s words assuring us of God’s pardon with a glad faith tradition. Members of twelve-step recovery cry of, “Thanks be to God!” or a heartfelt singing of programs, for instance, need not profess any the Gloria Patri. conventional religion. But they all must make “a The apostle Paul wrote about “godly sadness” searching and fearless moral inventory” of themselves that “produces a changed heart and life that leads to as part of their recovery, admitting “the exact nature salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10). When we feel that of [their] wrongs” to God (as they understand God), sadness as we look squarely at our own sin, we, too, themselves, and another person, and making “direct can experience the release and joy from sin that God amends” to anyone they have hurt through their gives.
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9781501876967_INT_60_62.indd 62 11/1/19 12:47 PM Daily Meditations | March 16–22 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Proverbs 1:10-17 Ancient Israel’s sages believed sinners always sowed the seeds of their own destruction. Because daily living doesn’t always support this conviction, we need to be reminded, as these verses remind us, that sin’s attractive appearance is a dangerous illusion. God of justice, keep us on your righteous paths.
Tuesday | Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus’ strange warning stresses how persistent the power of sin can be. We may win one victory over it, only to confront it again in a much stronger form. Give us strength, mighty Savior, to meet sin’s persistence with continued reliance on your steadfast love.
Wednesday | James 1:2-4, 13-15 No, the devil doesn’t make you do it—and neither does God. James teaches temptations arise from within us. When we resist yielding to them, we grow in faith. Source of all good, may your Spirit help us stand firm when tempted that we may grow as your people.
Thursday | Deuteronomy 8:1-10 Jesus’ forty days of testing in the wilderness evokes the Israelites’ four decades of desert trials. Moses asserts God tested the people to humble and discipline them—a kind of “tough love” preparation for life in the Promised Land, teaching them to rely on God above all else. Save us from mistaking anyone or anything other than you, loving God, as our true source of sustenance.
Friday | Deuteronomy 6:10-19 In this part of his farewell speech to Israel, Moses cautions the people against mistaking the material prosperity they will soon enjoy as the result of their own efforts. Whatever we are able to do to flourish in this life, we do only because God has given us the strength to do it. Generous God, so ground us in gratitude that we never forget to give you thanks and praise.
Saturday | Hebrews 4:11-16 All have sinned, but sin is not a natural part of being human. Sin is our refusal of the obedient fellowship with God for which we were created. Because Jesus never sinned, then, he is more fully human than anyone who has ever lived—and he is our intercessor in heaven. We praise you, holy Jesus, for bringing us before God in love and compassion.
Sunday | Matthew 4:1-11 We might assume temptations come because God is not with us, but Jesus’ experience proves otherwise. Matthew reports “the Spirit led Jesus” (verse 1) into the desert where his ordeal awaited. Living as God’s beloved children does not make life easier. Our new, God-given identities require more vigilance against sin and more dependence upon God, not less. Powerful God, give us courage to follow where you lead, even when the way leads through the wilderness of temptation.
Key Verse: Jesus responded, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” The devil left him, and angels { came and took care of him. (Matthew 4:10-11)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 63
9781501876967_INT_63_65.indd 63 11/6/19 1:58 PM Lesson 4 | March 22 JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS Lesson: Matthew 4:1-11 • Background: Same Much later in the New Testament than today’s Bible But why? Even setting aside the question of Satan, reading, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews the testing Jesus suffered seems so radically different declared that Jesus is able “to sympathize with our from yours or mine. As scholar M. Eugene Boring weaknesses” because “in every respect [he] has been points out, Jesus isn’t wrestling with a desire to do tested as we are, yet without sin” (4:15, NRSV). something bad; the temptations “are not to lust and Truthfully, I don’t tend to think about Satan too avarice.”1 What can we glean from them to help us much, let alone feel as though I’m up against some when we feel tempted today? singular, supernatural being who’s doing all he can to The first test might seem harmless enough. After keep me from following God’s will. I acknowledge sin forty days of deliberate fasting—an ancient spiritual and evil are real and powerful, in the world and in my discipline Jesus assumed his followers, as devout Jews own life. There’s simply too much evidence—on both like him, would continue (Matthew 6:16-18)— fronts, I’m afraid—to pretend otherwise. Jesus was “famished” (4:2, NRSV). Satan suggested I ate lunch at a restaurant with a man who’s usually that Jesus feed himself. It would take only a word quite calm and composed, but at one point, he started commanding stones to become bread. Surely God loudly and animatedly telling me, “You’re going to doesn’t want Jesus launching his ministry on an empty think this sounds crazy, but Satan is real, and I’ve stomach! seen him.” I scrambled to steer our conversation back No doubt Jesus, whose authoritative word would into what would be more comfortable territory for later cast out demons and still storms, could easily me. I suggested he meant the metaphorical “demons” have pulled bread from thin air. But he was committed he’d faced, like his experiences in the Vietnam War to trusting God’s word, not his own. He quoted or his past drug use. But he insisted, “No, I mean the Deuteronomy 8:3 to make his point. Centuries before, devil. The literal, actual devil.” So, I simply smiled when the Israelites were about to leave the wilderness and nodded and kept eating my French fries, hoping behind, Moses warned them not to start putting too people at the other tables weren’t listening in. much stock in their own strength. He urged them Jesus, of course, had no trouble thinking about to remember the lesson God gave them along with “the literal, actual devil.” By the first century, “the manna from heaven: Only God provides ultimate Satan” of Hebrew Scripture—a member of God’s sustenance, ultimate nourishment (see Deuteronomy heavenly court, a sort of celestial prosecuting attorney 8:11-20). Jesus resisted the temptation to rely on on God’s staff for the specific task of testing mortals’ himself more than he relied on God. faithfulness and righteousness (as he famously does Now knowing Jesus looks to Holy Scripture for in Job 1–2)—had morphed into the deceitful and guidance, Satan quoted it for his own purposes in the rebellious enemy of God we think of today. Jesus second test, just as Shakespeare said the devil does2. called this being “a murderer from the beginning” and Sweeping Jesus up and away to the top of the temple “the father of liars” (John 8:44), whom he saw “fall in Jerusalem—the place above all places where Jews from heaven like lightning” (Luke 10:18) and who was could expect to encounter the God of all the earth fated for the fires of hell (Matthew 25:41). (1 Kings 8:27-29)—Satan challenged him to jump, We can assume that three of the four evangelists quoting Psalm 91:11-12 word for word. included some account of the devil tempting Jesus Had Jesus wanted to pull off this dramatic because Jesus told his followers about the ordeal. demonstration, he probably could have. Much later, (Mark, in 1:12-13, doesn’t delve into the details as on the night of his arrest, he acknowledged as much Matthew and Luke do, but he still includes it.) Clearly, (Matthew 26:53). But Jesus again quoted Moses from then, Christians need to pay attention to this story— Deuteronomy (6:16) to stress that, in his relationship even Christians like me, who find that Satan talk with God, Jesus didn’t decide when and how God makes them squirm. would act. If God had wanted him to toss himself off the temple in a flamboyant display of faith—maybe to 64 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_63_65.indd 64 11/1/19 12:52 PM win a large following overnight or to send a message Son of God, but stated, “SinceLesson you are8 |God’s January Son...” 20 about real power to the Roman Empire—Jesus would (verses 3, 6, emphasis added). The heavenly voice at have done it. But Jesus resisted the temptation to Jesus’ baptism confirmed he was God’s Son (3:17). demand God put on a command performance. Jesus’ test was deciding what kind of Son he would Finally, Satan took Jesus even higher, to a towering be: obedient or rebellious (compare his parable in mountain peak from which they gazed on “all the 21:28-31). kingdoms of the world and their glory” (verse 8). Baptized Christians are also confirmed as God’s Perhaps Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms with the daughters and sons, through the Son of God. But after biggest boundaries, the most ornate architecture, the the baptismal waters, we, too, must decide whether we strongest militaries, the wealthiest treasuries—all the will be obedient or rebellious children; whether we will things that make nations the envy of their neighbors. embrace and live into and live up to the identity God Satan claimed he could turn it all over to Jesus to has already graciously given us. rule, if only Jesus would first genuflect before him, In the end, the story of Jesus’ temptation isn’t acknowledging him as the ultimate ruler. about whether Satan really exists. Believe he does; Jesus decided he had had enough. So far from believe he doesn’t; but by all means, believe this story submitting to Satan, Jesus commanded him to is about whether you and I will, like Jesus before us, leave, adding one last, emphatic quote from Moses really exist—really live, every day—as God’s beloved (Deuteronomy 6:13). Jesus resisted the temptation to children, with whom God is well-pleased. obey or worship anyone or anything but God. Feeling tempted to trust ourselves more than we trust God . . . to demand God act as we want, when we want . . . to treat other people or purposes as worthy of the ultimate loyalty and trust that God alone deserves. . . . These temptations sound familiar, don’t they? We may or may not ever feel like we’re going toe- to-toe with Satan, but Jesus was, in this wilderness ordeal, being tested as we are, because his identity as 1. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VIII, “The Gospel of Matthew,” M. God’s Son was at stake. The CEB translates Satan’s Eugene Boring (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 165. tests correctly: He did not question “if” Jesus was the 2. The Merchant of Venice,William Shakespeare.
Maturing in Faith As I angrily thought about how I could make her I’ve heard preachers and teachers reduce the story of feel as bad as I felt, I found myself also thinking about Jesus’ temptation to a case study in the importance the words of 1 Corinthians 13. I believe it was God’s of reading the Bible. I’m afraid I’ve done it myself in way of telling me, “If you really love this person, as the past. Jesus was able to thwart Satan at every turn you say, then you won’t keep a record of wrongs, and so effectively, the thinking goes, because he knew the you won’t insist on your own way. You will be patient Scripture so well. and kind.” Of course, it’s important for Christians to read the I can’t tell you I got over her overnight. I can’t Bible. But being able to quote chapter and verse isn’t tell you I handled the situation perfectly. But when necessarily proof of faithful living. Satan knows the tempted to be as mean to her as I could, I heard the words of Scripture just as well as Jesus does. It’s not call, through Scripture, to live more like Christ. simply reading Scripture that matters, but reading and As we hear in the words of Scripture the summons allowing it—more precisely, allowing the Holy Spirit to love and worship God by loving and serving others, through it—to shape us, more and more, into God’s we mature not only as Bible readers but also, and more obedient children. importantly, as Jesus’ followers. I first fully realized this distinction in college. Toward the end of my freshman year, I’d started dating a young woman who, over summer break, met and started dating someone else.
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9781501876967_INT_63_65.indd 65 11/1/19 12:52 PM Daily Meditations | March 23–29
Monday | 2 Kings 23:34–24:7 How far the kingdom of Judah has fallen! Egypt, the very nation that enslaved the Hebrews centuries before, installed a puppet king who taxed God’s people in order to fill Pharaoh’s coffers. Then that king started a failed rebellion against the rising power, Babylon, whom God was using to judge Judah. Sovereign God, help us discern your hand in the nation and world today, and faithfully respond.
Tuesday | 2 Kings 24:8-17 Babylon is fully in charge. Its emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, personally accepted teenage king Jehoiachin’s surrender, plundered the temple of its valuable gold, and deported Judah’s royal family and thousands of its people. Nations can delude themselves into thinking their power and prestige will last forever. Save us from pride that ignores your will for the world, O God.
Wednesday | 2 Kings 24:18–25:7 Having failed to learn from history (relatively recent history at that), Zedekiah defied Babylon. His thwarted revolution sparked the last act in Judah’s tragic downfall. When we focus only on the immediate present, we can fail to act wisely. God of the ages, help us learn the past’s lessons, that we may live more fully and faithfully in the future you prepare.
Thursday | 2 Kings 25:8-21 Jerusalem’s fall shocked the people of Judah. It shattered their belief that the city and temple were as everlasting as their God. Eternal and almighty God, help us distinguish our beliefs about you from you yourself, that our faith may withstand and even thrive amid suffering.
Friday | 2 Kings 25:22-30 As devastating as the national suffering of Jerusalem’s fall was, it would not prove the last word in God’s story with God’s people. Jehoiachin’s unexpected good fortune shows us we should never count out God’s ability to turn apparently definitive endings into hopeful new beginnings. You are the God of surprising new starts; when we suffer, direct our vision to your future.
Saturday | 2 Chronicles 36:17-21 In his account of Jerusalem’s fall, the chronicler notes the land “finally enjoyed its sabbath rest” (verse 21). How does our society refuse to grant “rest” to God’s natural world? What consequences have we already seen because we have exploited nature too fully? Creator God, help me do what I can to live as a better steward of your good earth.
Sunday | Ezekiel 36:33-38 Biblical faith proclaims God responsible for the exile. It also proclaims God as the One responsible for restoring the people. Desolation and ruin are never God’s ultimate will for humanity; God’s will is vibrant, abundant life. We praise you, living God, for your commitment to our well-being, seen most clearly in the new life to which you raised your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Key Verse: The king of Babylon struck them down. . . . So Judah was exiled from its land. { (2 Kings 25:21)} 66 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_66_68.indd 66 11/6/19 1:59 PM Lesson 5 | March 29 Lesson 8 | January 20 THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH ARE EXILED Lesson: 2 Kings 25:8-21 • Background: 2 Kings 23:34–25:30 On September 16, 2001, I stood in the pulpit of the But the Babylonians targeted “every important congregation I served and tried to talk about what building” (verse 9): buildings that carried profound had happened on 9/11 in a way that acknowledged psychological and spiritual significance, that the nation’s suffering and grief while still proclaiming symbolized the nation’s self-understanding. As God’s good news. I remember stressing God had Al-Qaeda struck symbols of America’s financial, nothing to do with the terrorist attacks. God in no military, and political strength, Babylon struck way caused them, I said. God in no way willed them. symbols of Judah’s covenant relationship to God. I stand by those words. But I sometimes wonder Consider the royal palace, for example. God had what preachers in the far future may say as they look promised that a member of King David’s “house” back and try to discern how, if at all, that day’s terrible would always rule (2 Samuel 7:11-12). But now events fit into God’s plan for history and how, if at all, flames consumed the royal palace (2 Kings 25:9), and they reflected God’s rule over the nations. One reason Zedekiah, the last of David’s descendants to rule in I wonder is because some preachers from ancient Jerusalem, was captured by the Babylonian army. After Judah, when that nation faced a dark and devastating being forced to watch his sons’ executions, he was day of suffering, spoke a very different kind of word. blinded and carried in chains to Babylon (verses 6-7). The attacks on the World Trade Center, the Even more troubling, the temple—the magnificent Pentagon, and whatever building Flight 93’s hijackers structure made more beautiful when God’s glory intended to hit are not identical in scope or effect filled it as a cloud (1 Kings 8:10-11), God’s own to the devastation narrated in 2 Kings 25. America house where God promised to live among and never survived 9/11. Judah did not survive “the seventh day abandon the people (1 Kings 6:13)—was burned to of the fifth month in the nineteenth year of Babylon’s the ground. Notice how the narration mentions the King Nebuchadnezzar” (verse 8). The narrator’s choice temple’s destruction (2 Kings 25:9) and moves on, but to give the dateline according to the conquering then returns to the smoldering site (verses 13-17), as if foreigners’ calendar, rather than Judah’s, reinforces this the loss still can’t quite be believed. reality. The author of Kings mentions many of the same It’s impossible to exaggerate the explosive impact details he lovingly lingered over in 1 Kings 6–7 Jerusalem’s fall that day in 587 BCE had on Jewish when recounting the temple’s construction. We read history, culture, and faith. The event capped a decade again about towering columns with their weighty, during which Babylon, the geopolitical superpower of ornate capitals; gold and silver pots and dishes used its day, forcibly removed much of Judah’s population in worship; and the massive bronze reservoir—able in multiple waves. Much of the Old Testament as to hold 10,000 gallons of water (1 Kings 7:23-26)— we have it was written down and given shape during called “the Sea.” In ancient cultures, the sea often those decades of exile, as Judeans wrestled with what symbolized violent chaos. Now, ironically, this bronze their nation’s demise meant for their identity as God’s symbol of God’s authority over such chaos has fallen people. victim to it. The enemy troops under Nebuzaradan’s More than buildings fell when Jerusalem fell. command—his name means “the cook” but can also God’s dream for God’s people was apparently being be translated, quite suggestively, “the butcher” or “the dismantled, piece by piece, just as surely as Jerusalem’s slaughterer”1—tore down the city walls and torched its supposedly inviolable walls (Psalm 48:12-14) came homes. They took away most of the city’s remaining tumbling down. Faced with national shock and citizens, leaving people behind in poverty to till the suffering on this scale, what did the preachers of Judah earth for their conquerors’ benefit. And all this is say? horror enough. I imagine some were quick to tell any who’d listen, “God in no way caused this; God in no way
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9781501876967_INT_66_68.indd 67 11/6/19 2:00 PM willed this.” I imagine they meant well and had a been defeated. They could have concluded God’s pastoral interest in reassuring the exiles that God covenant with Abraham and Sarah’s family was hadn’t brought this calamity on them. But whatever forever broken. But instead—remarkably, humbly, audience they may have gained, they didn’t, in the courageously—they came to believe Judah’s suffering long run, persuade biblical tradition. was God’s just judgment against the nation’s sin. Scripture says Jerusalem’s fall and the people’s A painful interpretation? Yes. Soul-wrenching? exile fit God’s plan for history and reflected God’s Yes. But it contains a glimmer of good news. We rule over the nations because it was ultimately God’s glimpse it in the Book of Kings’ closing scene. Judah’s doing. Nebuzaradan carried out his king’s orders, but King Jehoiachin, who had been taken into exile years beneath it all, God “was angry with Jerusalem and before Jerusalem fell, was freed from prison and dined Judah . . . [and] thrust them out of his presence” (2 with a new king over Babylon for the rest of his days. Kings 24:20). Through the nation’s suffering, God He even received preferential treatment over other judged Judah for its sins so severely, “the ears of exiled monarchs (25:27-30). anyone who hear[d] about it” rang (21:12). Jehoiachin’s elevation could be nothing more What sins, specifically? The “detestable things” than Awil-merodach indulging a whim, as victorious King Manasseh did himself and led his subjects to do despots do. But it also holds out the hope that God (21:11, 16). The Book of Kings calls out idolatrous is not done with God’s people, that God’s anger at altars and occult acts, even child sacrifice, as the their sin will not be God’s final word. God brought primary problems (21:2-9). We know from Judean this suffering on the people, claims Kings, but God prophets like Jeremiah that widespread immorality will also be able to deliver them from it. God’s and oppression of society’s poorest members also judgment is not punishment for punishment’s sake, inflamed God’s vengeance (see, for example, Jeremiah but suffering that will refine the nation’s remnant and 5:25-29; 7:8-10). Not even the reforms Manasseh’s renew it for continued relationship with and service grandson, King Josiah, carried out in compliance to God. with the rediscovered scroll of Deuteronomy could spare the nation God’s wrath (2 Kings 22). The exiled Judeans could have told their story differently. They could have decided, as the 1. Jewish Virtual Library, sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica. © 2008 The Babylonians surely did, that Nebuchadnezzar and Gale Group. All Rights Reserved. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/ Nebuzaradan’s triumph meant the God of Israel had nebuzaradan-2
Maturing in Faith issues match mine. But making the effort to think I’ll never forget the shock on my coworker’s face when about issues in the context of faith is one way I feel I told her I’d be thinking about my faith when voting I’ve matured as a Christian over the years. in the upcoming election, or the disdain in her voice How Christian faith and political involvement when she asked, “Why?” She said she’d be thinking intersect isn’t always clear-cut. Believers disagree about tax policy, environmental regulations, civil about which candidates, legislation, and social rights, the kind of judges candidates had promised to priorities reflect God’s will. But as citizens in a appoint to the courts—she listed a host of issues from secular, representative democracy, you and I have the the campaign. She seemed surprised, but skeptical, opportunity and responsibility to witness to God’s when I explained I’d be thinking about issues like will in ways our forebears in faith could never have those, too, but in light of my Christian faith. imagined (and, sadly, which many Christians around By no means am I the best informed or most the world today still can’t). politically active citizen. But I try to vote for We won’t always agree on how we should vote—or candidates whose visions for my local community, when we should call and write our elected officials, state, and country align in some way with God’s values start petitions, march in the streets, or organize and priorities as I understand them from Scripture. community action—but growing in faith means It’s not always an obvious choice. America is a secular refusing to live as citizens of the state in ways that democracy. Office-seekers must prove themselves contradict our ultimate status as citizens of God’s relevant to a diverse electorate, not all of whose top realm.
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9781501876967_INT_66_68.indd 68 11/1/19 12:53 PM Daily Meditations | March 30–April 5 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Psalm 22:1-11 No affirmations of God’s omnipresence can comfort the anguished soul who believes he or she truly is godforsaken. But the psalm-singer, though severely distressed, does not entirely despair. The God whose presence is not felt is still “my God.” Save me from giving up on you, my God, even when I fear you have given up on me.
Tuesday | Psalm 22:12-18 How callous the psalm-singer’s enemies are, playing games to win the clothes off his back! But how unfeeling we are when we choose to ignore those whose pain and suffering leaves them “down in the dirt of death” (verse 15). By your Spirit, God of the forgotten, help us see those who suffer and take action to aid them.
Wednesday | Hebrews 9:1-12 Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t a priest. But the author of Hebrews argues Jesus ultimately proved himself the highest of priests. He offered his own blood to not only stand directly in God’s presence himself, but also to open our transformational path to the Most Holy. We praise you for your sacrifice, our Great High Priest, and thank you for bringing us before God for all time.
Thursday | Mark 15:22-32 Some religious leaders jeered Jesus because he couldn’t save himself from death. Jesus could have pulled off a miraculous escape—but at the cost of refusing God’s will. To be the king God wanted, Jesus couldn’t save himself because he had to save us. King Jesus, thank you for your love of God and the transformational love for us that kept you on your cross.
Friday | Mark 15:33-37 Why did the bystanders mishear Jesus? Surely, they spoke Aramaic. Did Jesus’ suffering garble his shout? Or did they, even unconsciously, choose not to understand? We cannot answer for them—we can only speak to why we so often fail to comprehend our Savior’s words. Forgive us, our God, for the times we fail to hear and to do your Word.
Saturday | Mark 15:38-41 In Mark’s Gospel, none of Jesus’ male followers watch him die. But women followers, including Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and Salome, are witnesses to his crucifixion. They support Jesus as he dies in the only way they can, even as they and other women had supported him as he lived. Like the women who kept watch, dear Jesus, may we always look to you and remain steadfast.
Sunday | John 19:31-37 The blood and water that flow from Jesus’ side prove he is dead, but they also signify the new birth Jesus makes possible for those who believe (compare John 3:5). John is committed to helping his readers believe or continue to believe in Jesus as Savior (see 20:31). God of truth, inspire me to give my true and trustworthy testimony to Jesus’ salvation in my life, that others may also know and believe. Key Verse: But Jesus let out a loud cry and died. The curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. { (Mark 15:37-38)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 69
9781501876967_INT_69_71.indd 69 11/6/19 2:01 PM Lesson 6 | April 5 JESUS DIES ON A CROSS Lesson: Mark 15:22-39 • Background: Mark 15:1-47 I once dreamed about Jesus’ crucifixion—a mercifully • Even the bullying bandits crucified with Jesus brief nightmare. The scene was brutal. Jesus was (15:32) were cursing him. frantically contorting his body as he tried to pull himself away from the cross. And he was screaming, But it’s not just other people who failed to see any though the word “scream” doesn’t do justice to the deep meaning in Jesus’ death. So many of us easily sound I heard. It was an impossibly loud mixture of “mash up” the Gospels’ Crucifixion accounts in our rasp and roar, like audible flames from the back of his minds, helped along by Bible movies and worship throat. services on the “Seven Last Words from the Cross,” God can speak through dreams, but I doubt God that we find it hard to appreciate each evangelist’s spoke through mine. My dream conveyed nothing account on its own. I find Mark’s version the most about what, if anything, was meant by what I was disturbing because it seems not even Jesus, during seeing. I assume the man in my dream was Jesus, but these sickening six hours, sees any hope. I didn’t see a placard over his head (Mark 15:26) or a Yes, Mark makes it clear elsewhere Jesus crown of thorns on his brow (15:17). I simply saw a understood how and why he was going to die (8:31; man dying a torturous death, and it wasn’t humbling 9:9, 30-32; 10:32-34; 14:22-24). But here, now, or inspiring. It was just ugly. Jesus howls the opening words of Psalm 22. That’s Each Gospel tells something about who was his only “word from the cross” in Mark’s account. present, what was said, and what happened around While it’s possible he intended to evoke the psalm as a the cross, but none spend any time describing Jesus’ whole, including the suffering psalm-singer’s ultimate death itself in-depth. If you want the medical, morbid, expressions of vindication and praise (Psalm 22:22- blow-by-blow of how crucifixion killed its victims, you 31), that suggestion seems counterintuitive at best— can find it in history books or online, but not in the and at worst, a desperate attempt to “protect” Jesus Gospels. The evangelists knew their accounts had to from suffering (a tendency we noted in our lesson for do more than simply let readers “watch” Jesus suffer March 8). and die. Their accounts needed to help readers “see” Matthew, too, records Jesus’ anguished cry what his death was about. (27:46). But his mention of the Resurrection before Mark, generally accepted as the earliest evangelist Jesus’ corpse is even off the cross (27:53) blunts the (around 70 CE [Common Era]), tells us three times cry’s impact, at least in my opinion. Luke leaves out that Roman soldiers crucified Jesus (verses 24, 25, 27). the cry; Jesus, in his account, confidently entrusted Rome routinely executed criminals this way. Mark’s his soul to God before dying (23:46). And in John’s original audience knew it. They’d seen it. Why would version, Jesus, with his last breath, declared that his Mark need to elaborate? death perfectly achieves God’s will (19:30). Mark’s account proves that simply seeing Jesus’ But Mark doesn’t let us retreat from the horror and crucifixion reveals nothing about its significance. apparent senselessness of what’s happening at Skull Place. Like my dream, Mark’s narrative is brutal and • The soldiers who carried out the sentence pass ugly, and we can’t make sense of this execution on its the time playing games of chance to see who’ll face. Even the executed believes God has abandoned get the dying man’s clothes. For them, this Friday him. is just another day on the job in Caesar’s service. Curiously, the centurion who saw Jesus die • Some people milling around the cross find the called him the Son of God. But does the sight of the scene funny. Ha! The miracle worker who would death itself convert him? Or were the centurion’s be king, the man who said he’d tear down the words ironic, even sarcastic?1 Were they a dramatic temple and build it again in three days (see declaration of newfound faith—or one more example 14:57-59) ended up dying as a common crook. of how, as Mark tells it, merely seeing Jesus’ crucifixion Hysterical. does nothing to reveal its significance? “That dead 70 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_69_71.indd 70 11/1/19 12:54 PM guy, God’s Son? As if!” (Contrast Luke’s unambiguous destructive of what we thoughtLesson we knew, 8 | Januarythat rip open 20 treatment of a similar declaration, 23:47.) our “images of the universe”—how we see the world, That’s why Mark abruptly shifts our attention others, ourselves, even God—as surely as that curtain from Golgotha to the temple. There, a curtain is torn, in the temple was ripped. top to bottom. Mark doesn’t make clear which curtain If seeing Christ crucified doesn’t move us to look in the temple he’s talking about, but it could well be away—not in horror, but in hopes of seeing God’s the ornate curtain concealing the Holy of Holies, the mighty and saving power in action in the world—then building’s most sacred spot, where God was believed we have only seen a raw and repulsive death, and may to sit enthroned above the cherubim on the ark of the not have truly seen salvation at all. covenant’s lid. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus described that curtain as a huge, ornate veil, and colorfully “embroidered upon it [was] all that was mystical in the heavens,” so that it was, in effect, “a kind of image of the universe.”2 And if this is the curtain that was torn that first Good Friday, its rending would bookend a traumatic tearing at the outset of Jesus’ ministry in Mark. At his baptism, Jesus saw heaven “splitting open” (1:10)—Mark used the same, violent verb describing the curtain’s division at Jesus’ death. Through the torn heavens at Jesus’ baptism, God’s Spirit descended like a dove. Who, then, emerges through this torn image of the heavens at Jesus’ death? Believers through the centuries have found solace and hope by meditating on Jesus’ physical 1. Shaping the Scriptural Imagination, Chapter 2: “The Strange Silence suffering. But at least for Mark, that’s not where the of the Bible,” Donald H. Juel, eds. Shane Berg and Matthew L. Skinner deepest meaning of the Crucifixion lies. Jesus’ death (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2011), 41-42. is not meaningless, but to see its true meaning, to 2. The Wars of the Jews, Chapter 5.4, Flavius Josephus; https://www. gutenberg.org/files/2850/2850-h/2850-h.htm see how it fits into God’s “saving purposes,” we have 3. NPR Weekend Edition Sunday, “Statue of a Homeless Jesus Startles a to look elsewhere. We have to look for signs and Wealthy Community,” John Burnett, April 13, 2014; https://www.npr. signals of God entering and acting in the world in org/2014/04/13/302019921/statue-of-a-homeless-jesus-startles-a-wealthy- new, dynamic, disruptive ways; ways possibly even community
Maturing in Faith Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz had Jesus’ If, as Mark’s mention of the torn temple curtain words about caring for “the least of [his] brothers and suggests, Jesus’ death somehow signals a dramatic sisters” (Matthew 25:40) in mind when he designed 3 and decisive reentrance of God into the world, then Jesus the Homeless. But the art, depending as it does shouldn’t it also stir us to move in dramatic and on the scars of Jesus’ suffering, may make those who decisive ways—even if only relatively, compared to see it stop and think of homelessness as a modern kind what we have or have not been doing already—toward of “crucifixion”—not a penalty imposed on criminals, a world where people are still “crucified” in countless but an intense suffering in which people may often ways? feel forsaken by God . . . and are, in fact, too often Statues of Christ on his cross are common in forsaken by their fellow human beings. religious art. In recent years, a new kind of statue of When we see people on the edges of our society Jesus is being seen in several cities. One is installed “being crucified” in one way or another, do we look outside St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson, away in discomfort and disgust—or do we look for North Carolina. It depicts Jesus as a figure lying on some way we can be involved in what God is doing, a bench, almost completely covered up by a blanket. dramatically and decisively, in the world? Our response Only his feet—marked with the wounds inflicted at may say much about how much we have or have not his crucifixion—are visible. matured in faith.
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9781501876967_INT_69_71.indd 71 11/1/19 12:54 PM Daily Meditations | April 6–12
Monday | Psalm 118:1-9, 14-18 Christians have long seen in verses 17-18 of this psalm an anticipation of Jesus’ resurrection. Though we all must die, because we believe we are, with Christ, not finally handed over to the power or death, our song, too, is “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” For the miracle of new life with you, saving God, we give you thanks and sing your praise.
Tuesday | Matthew 27:57-61 Joseph of Arimathea gave Jesus the tomb he, Joseph, had purchased and intended for himself. What plans have you made for yourself that you have given up or would be willing to give up to be a follower of Jesus? Lord Jesus, may what I give for you always honor you.
Wednesday | Matthew 27:62-66 The chief priests aren’t the only people who’ve tried to “secure Jesus’ tomb.” Whenever we give up hope in the face of evil and death, whenever we tell ourselves God can’t bring new beginnings out of painful endings, we post our own guards against resurrection. God of possibility, guard us from despair and strengthen our trust in your power to create a new future.
Thursday | Matthew 28:1-10 Twice in these verses, we read that the risen Jesus is going ahead of his disciples to Galilee. Jesus did not linger at his grave after he had been raised from it! Christian faith does not depend on the empty tomb, but on the experience of the living Christ who goes ahead of us into the world. Give me faith to follow you, risen Lord, that I may know your presence and power in my life.
Friday | Matthew 28:11-15 Sadly, Matthew’s story about the chief priests bribing the guards to lie about what they witnessed at Jesus’ tomb has helped fuel anti-Jewish sentiment throughout Christian history. Gracious God, forgive us, who are only included in your family by grace, when we turn against or turn our backs on the people whose covenant with you still stands, and from whom Jesus the Messiah came.
Saturday | John 20:19-23 In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples receive the Holy Spirit on the first Easter evening. The proclamation of his resurrection should immediately propel us into the world, empowered by the Spirit to spread the good news and share Jesus’ forgiving love. O God, breathe your Spirit on us again, that we may give your compassion and peace to all.
Sunday | Revelation 1:13-18 The early Christian prophet John’s vision of the risen Christ is filled with striking and strange details, but John intends them all to communicate the unambiguous truth of Jesus’ authority over life and death. Glorious Savior, we worship you for defeating death and for giving us your word of life to share.
Key Verses: But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, { because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said.”} (Matthew 28:5-6) 72 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_72_74.indd 72 11/6/19 2:02 PM Lesson 7 | April 12 Lesson 8 | January 20 JESUS’ RESURRECTION Lesson: Matthew 28:1-10 • Background: Matthew 27:57–28:15 I don’t know the original source of the popular violent earthquake, the descending angel’s dazzling inspirational mantra, “Do it scared.” appearance, the Roman soldiers who tremble with My internet search turns up several celebrities such fear they become “like dead men” (verse 4). Who and self-help bloggers saying it. My quick-check at could be in the presence of power like this without Amazon shows several books using that phrase, or feeling some fear? a close variant, as their title. Because I’m a big Star Not the two Marys, who had come expecting Wars fan, I first heard it as a paraphrase of something simply to resume their vigil outside Jesus’ tomb the late Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, said (27:61). These were devout Jewish women who about how she lived her life with bipolar disorder: believed in God and would recognize signs of divine “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the might from their knowledge of Scripture, and the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident.”1 angel still had to tell them, “Don’t be afraid” (28:5). More and more, I wonder whether Christian faith And even after hearing his entire message, they were isn’t a similar proposition. The basic wisdom in “doing still fearful (verse 8). it scared” rather than waiting to act until we have all But that’s when this story becomes a story about the information, all the reassurances, all the guarantees “doing faith scared”—a story about not waiting, about we’d like to have, rings true to me. I haven’t yet found taking action. the Bible verse where Jesus says, “Follow me only if Matthew diverges from his presumed source you’re absolutely sure it’s going to be safe and will material, Mark, when he relates how the women left never make you nervous or uncomfortable.” the tomb. In Mark, the three women who had gone to When we read Matthew’s account of the first anoint Jesus’ body ran away, “[o]vercome with terror Easter morning, we may find it reinforces this idea and dread,” and they said “nothing to anyone, because that Christian faith is something we have to “do they were afraid” (16:8). Mark’s Gospel originally scared.” ended right there, with fear keeping the women from “He isn’t here,” the angel tells the women, obeying the command to go and tell Jesus’ disciples “because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he about his resurrection. said” (Matthew 28:6). Sit with that announcement But Matthew says the two Marys ran away for a second. A dead man—a man brutally executed, from the tomb with “great fear,” yes—but also with whose bloody corpse was sealed in a tomb, behind a “excitement” (28:8). The Greek word is charas,2 and large stone—is somehow alive. With brightly-colored it is more usually translated “joy” (NRSV, NIV, KJV, eggs and chocolate bunnies, fine new dresses and ESV, and many others).3 The women trembled with fragrant lilies, we’ve managed, in church and culture, fear, but still set out to do what the angel told them to to tame the Easter story to the point where we forget do because they were also trembling with joy. Where the terror it contains. the women in Mark ran and said nothing, the women Is it all terror, or even mostly terror? Of course not. in Matthew “ran to tell his disciples” (verse 8). We see But the dead stay dead. We often wish it weren’t so, intent. We see purpose. These women set out to “do it but it always, always is—except here, at Jesus’ tomb. scared.” Death, which all human beings forever have known to And because they did, they soon found themselves be final, is no longer the end. How can such a radical face-to-face with Jesus. He, like the angel, told them revision of reality itself fail, on at least some level, to not to fear (verse 10), but not before he had “greeted frighten us? them” (verse 9). Many English translations render it After all, only a tremendous power could as a direct quote from Jesus: “Greetings!” The Greek overturn death. Matthew doesn’t describe Jesus’ word here is chairete, and you can see its etymological resurrection itself, but he includes more details around link to charas. Though it is, as one scholar writes, “the that moment than the other Gospel writers: the normal greeting . . . comparable to our ‘hello,’” it
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9781501876967_INT_72_74.indd 73 11/1/19 1:12 PM literally means, “Rejoice!”4 The women, feeling some with his followers as they went forth, even if they mixture of fear and joy, accepted their mission even went scared or doubtful or with questions and though they were scared, and that decision led them concerns or feeling unsafe or uncertain. From the to a place where meeting with Jesus ultimately left women at the tomb to the disciples receiving the only joy. Great Commission, Matthew’s Easter story presents Living in the presence of the risen Jesus makes faith in the risen Christ as a life where what’s the difference. And while Christians believe our important is the action. life with Christ, now and in the future, is a gift we Fears are real, and fears can be powerful. But cannot earn, it is also a gift we can’t receive or fully when we “do it scared”—when we take action for experience if we allow our fears to keep us away from Christ anyway—we position ourselves to experience him. his presence. Our decision to “do it scared” can A beautiful spring day, as many Easter Sundays lead us to a place where we meet with Jesus, who are, is a gift we can do nothing to earn. But if we promises, in the end, we will enter into the joy he has stay indoors, afraid of anything from allergens to prepared. accidents, then it’s a gift we cannot enjoy. Matthew’s Easter story makes me think life with the risen Christ is like that spring day. Because, beyond today’s reading, his account ends with the disciples having made their way to Galilee, where Jesus had gone on ahead of them (verse 7). Some disciples doubted, Matthew notes (verse 17), but they did not let their doubts—nor, we can assume, their 1. The Sydney Morning Herald,“‘Stay afraid, but do it anyway’: Carrie fears—keep them from going to Jesus. And then Jesus Fisher’s honesty about mental illness inspired a generation,” quoted told them they would have to go farther still, to “all by (among myriad others online) Clem Bastow, December 28, 2016; nations” to make disciples (verse 19), promising, “I https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/stay-afraid-but-do-it- myself will be with you every day until the end of this anyway-carrie-fishers-honesty-about-mental-illness-inspired-a-generation- present age” (verse 20). 20161228-gtiovy.html 2. Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/greek/5479.htm Even though Matthew knew the risen Jesus 3. Bible Study Tools, https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/28-8- did not stay bodily on earth, he didn’t end his compare.html Gospel with an ascension. He ended with a strong 4. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VIII, “The Gospel of Matthew,” M. affirmation of Jesus’ continuing, constant presence Eugene Boring (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 500.
Maturing in Faith None of the Gospels’ Resurrection narratives give During your life, when have you had to “do it scared”? biblical characters much time for quiet, contemplative What changes and challenges have you had to meet communion with the risen Christ. (In his Acts of the head-on when you felt least prepared to do so? Apostles, Luke does say Jesus appeared to his disciples Maybe you had to deal with a loved one’s death. for over forty days after the Resurrection—see Acts Maybe getting a new job or losing a job meant you 1:3—but in his Gospel, Luke gives the impression had to move to a new place. Maybe dealing with the Jesus’ ascension happened that first Easter night! departure of children from your home or departing See Luke 24:30-31.) The consistent emphasis is on your home yourself due to illness or age proved to be a what comes next: proclamation, mission, service to tough transition. The specifics will vary, but I suspect others—all of this outward motion flows from the we’ve all faced situations in which we really had no announcement, “He has been raised!” choice but to forge a fearful way into our personal or The future doesn’t stop being scary as we get older. family futures. But as we mature, we can hopefully look back on more Without diminishing the wondrous miracle and more times when we have met the living Jesus as that took place on that first Easter morning, I think we moved forward, even fearfully or hesitantly, and Matthew’s message about the risen Christ—that he can draw on those memories for courage and hope as goes ahead of his followers into the future, promising we face whatever the rest of our days hold. to meet and empower them there—is good news on any day and in any season of life. 74 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_72_74.indd 74 11/1/19 1:12 PM Daily Meditations | April 13–19 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Ezra 1:1-11 King Cyrus II of Persia may have thought sending conquered people, including the people of Judah, back to their homelands to rebuild was simply sound policy. But the Book of Ezra identifies God as the ultimate catalyst of Cyrus’s actions. Stir up the spirits of leaders today, Sovereign God, that the nations may know your glory and your peace.
Tuesday | Ezra 3:8-13 When the work of rebuilding the temple began, Ezra reports no one could distinguish tears of sorrow over its former glory from tears of joy over the new beginning. It’s all right to rebuild our own “ruins” with a mixture of sorrow and joy. What matters is that we make the beginning (verse 8), confident that God’s graciousness endures (verse 11). Grant me a sustaining faith in your everlasting love, O God.
Wednesday | Haggai 1:1-8 The former exiles who returned to Judah tried to rebuild their community without keeping God at the center, as seen in their neglect of the devastated temple. When we, like they, work hard and consume much but are never truly satisfied, we must ask ourselves whether we are orienting ourselves to God’s glory or to our own. Show me, O God, how I may best honor you in my community.
Thursday | Haggai 2:1-9 For all of its architectural magnificence and splendid ornamentation, what had truly always made the temple beautiful was the beautiful presence of God. With God in their midst (verse 4), the people can be assured of the reconstructed temple’s glory: God will be there, and the material beauty will follow later. God of glory, may your Spirit always guide me to behold true beauty in your presence and your love.
Friday | Zechariah 1:12-17 Why did God insist the people rebuild the temple? Because the temple was a physical, highly visible sign of God’s compassionate presence, signaling the people’s special relationship to God, not only to them, but to the world. Holy Spirit, so fill me that all I do and say points to your presence and power.
Saturday | Ezra 4:24–5:5 Ezra 5:2 states God’s prophets helped rebuild the temple. Perhaps the author means the prophets actually helped in the labor itself! Both words and works are essential to faithful living. Strengthen me to not only speak but also act in your service, O God, helping my community of faith obey your will in whatever ways I can.
Sunday | Ezra 6:13-22 Passover was especially joyous in the year the work on the temple was finished. Even the king of Assyria, a nation that had destroyed Israel’s Northern Kingdom centuries earlier, had helped the rebuilding (verse 22)! Surprising God, keep us daring to believe you can forge new bonds of peace between the nations today. Key Verse: This house will be more glorious than its predecessor, says the Lord of heavenly forces. I will provide prosperity in this place, { says the Lord of heavenly forces. (Haggai 2:9)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 75
9781501876967_INT_75_77.indd 75 11/6/19 2:03 PM Lesson 8 | April 19 REBUILDING THE TEMPLE Lesson: Haggai 2:1-9 • Background: Haggai 1:1–2:9 As I write these words, little more than a day has Jerusalem).4 The drought and economic insecurity passed since firefighters extinguished the blaze that currently plaguing the people would continue until destroyed the spire and two-thirds of the roof of the efforts to rebuild the temple began. Haggai’s preaching Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. accused the people of having been more concerned Already, French president Emmanuel Macron with their own houses than with God’s house (1:9). has called for the medieval Gothic masterpiece to The charge rings true to human nature—most of us be restored, and made “more beautiful than ever.”1 usually seek our own safety and comfort first—but I Already, donors from around the world have pledged also wonder whether the prospect of rebuilding the funds to make the work possible. And already there temple had become politically charged and considered is skepticism the cathedral can be restored. “[I]t’s not suspect, as is so quickly happening with the rebuilding going to be the same,” one man told the Times, “you’ll of Notre Dame. see the patches.”2 Somewhat surprisingly, given ancient Hebrew The range of reactions to the thought of rebuilding prophets’ track record of not being believed, Haggai’s Notre Dame helps me more fully appreciate what message produced results. The restoration work began faced the former exiles who returned to Judah in the (1:14-15). But, as we find in today’s reading—which late sixth century BC, after Cyrus II, king of Persia, records Haggai’s second prophecy, delivered a month defeated the Babylonian Empire and urged the peoples after the first, during Sukkot, the annual festival of Babylon had deported to return to their homelands. thanksgiving for the harvest—the prophet still has As we recently read when Babylon destroyed work to do. Jerusalem, the magnificent temple, built during Older returnees in the community, who saw and Solomon’s reign to house the omnipresent God of remembered the temple as it had been (2:3), were Israel, was devastated. And the temple’s destruction dubious about this restoration effort. They saw the dealt an emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll of reconstructed temple taking shape before them as which the fire at Notre Dame, as much as it grieved shabby and second-rate. people the world over, only hints at. So, we might be Indisputably, the temple used to be glorious. forgiven for assuming the people of Judah were eager The accounts of its construction in 1 Kings 6 and to rebuild the temple upon their return, as Cyrus 2 Chronicles 3 highlight its size and magnificence. encouraged them to do (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra Finely-carved wood, glittering precious stones, walls 1:1-4). But the prophet Haggai preached to a people and floors covered in gold—“the whole temple still reluctant to begin the rebuilding, even eighteen shined,” wrote first-century Jewish historian Josephus years later. “and dazzled the eyes of such as entered,” and we can Haggai, about whose personal biography we know believe it (Antiquities of the Jews, VIII:3).5 And the nothing, apparently did all his preaching during a older generation of returnees were still dazzled by scant three-and-a-half months in Judea, in the late their memories of the temple. They could hardly help summer and fall of 518 BC,3 on four distinctly dated finding its replacement lacking in comparison (verse occasions (the last two of which take place on the 3). same date). But for all its brevity, the book bearing his But Haggai urged Zerubbabel and Joshua not to name contains an important message, significant to its listen to plaintive voices of dissent. God’s message is original audience and to believers today. to keep on working, “for I am with you” (verse 4). As Haggai’s first prophecy is a blunt message pledged in the covenant made with Israel during the addressed to the community’s governor, Zerubbabel Exodus—a covenant also celebrated during Sukkot— (the descendant of King David whom the Persians God still “stands in your midst” (verse 5). authorized to lead the returning exiles), and for And God promised that this rebuilt temple will Joshua, Judah’s first “high priest” (and grandson of not always pale in comparison to its predecessor. In the chief priest executed when Babylon conquered a verse anyone who’s heard or sung Handel’s Messiah 76 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_75_77.indd 76 11/1/19 12:55 PM may recall, God promises to shake the earth in order When we face ruins inLesson the world 8 and | January in our lives, 20 to fill the temple with “the treasure of all nations” it’s tempting to turn away from the task of rebuilding (verse 7, NRSV). Scholar W. Eugene March explains or to decide that no reconstruction can measure the phrase is “in part . . . a reference to the treasures up to the original, and that all anyone will see are that once were taken away from the Temple.”6 These the patches. But Haggai teaches us that looking to treasures and more will return to God’s house because the future that God promises is when God is most they, like everything and everyone else on earth, glorified. In doing whatever we can to build that belong to God. The physical beauty they will bring to future, patches and all, God’s people will be found the temple will be a visual sign of the “prosperity” God most faithful. will bring to God’s people (verse 9). Some modern TV preachers have hijacked that word, “prosperity,” by all but guaranteeing material blessings to viewers who will send financial contributions to their ministries. But the Hebrew 1. The New York Times, “In Aftermath of Notre-Dame Fire, Macron word in verse 9 is actually shalom, more familiarly and Urges Unity in Fragmented Nation,” Adam Nossiter, April 16, 2019; appropriately translated “peace” (NRSV, NIV). The https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/16/world/europe/notre-dame-fire- word implies both physical and spiritual well-being, investigation.html an all-encompassing wholeness that suffuses life with 2. The New York Times, “What the Notre-Dame Fire Reveals About the beauty in every aspect. Soul of France,” Steven Erlanger, April 16, 2019; https://www.nytimes. com/2019/04/16/world/europe/france-notre-dame-religion.html For the sake of the people’s shalom, God wants 3. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible,“Haggai,” See Eric Meyers, them to rebuild the temple: not because God needs (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003), 1333-1334. a house on earth (as even Solomon knew—1 Kings 4. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VII,“The Book of Haggai,” See W. 8:27), but because the people will find themselves Eugene March (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), 715. rebuilt by reorienting their life together around the 5. Antiquities of the Jews, Book 8, Chapter 3:2, Flavius Josephus; https:// God who gives freedom and new beginnings. They www.gutenberg.org/files/2848/2848-h/2848-h.htm#link82HCH0003 6. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VII,second column in commentary, must rebuild the temple so it does not remain a W. Eugene March (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), 724. ruinous reminder pointing backward to what was, but 7. Presbyterians Today, “Redefining Golden Years—and Ministry,” Paul becomes a sign pointing forward to what, by God’s Seebeck, February 20, 2019; https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/pt- grace, will yet be. 0319-newold/
Maturing in Faith decade career as a teacher, started walking through Amid rapidly changing demographics and the church’s neighborhood every afternoon, offering religious affiliations in the US, the term “mainline to help students with homework. Within a year, denomination” seems increasingly incongruous. 65 children were coming to “Sunday” school (now Many congregations in these traditions are wrestling held on Saturdays), and many were baptized. Other with a sense of unease not unlike the one those older outreach programs like a summer day camp and a 7 returnees in Judah wrestled with in Haggai’s day. scholarship fund have followed. Church members look at the state of their buildings, Whether or not we are mature enough in years their programming, their attendance, their financial to remember a time when the church was more resources, and say, with a sigh, it appears as nothing— outwardly prosperous, we can all become mature or perilously close—and can’t compare with the “glory enough in faith to work for rebuilding communities days” long gone by. of faith—not so they can necessarily enjoy former But many congregations also rise to the challenge levels of social influence or prestige (for they likely will of rebuilding. For example, Presbyterians Today not), but so they can have prosperity of spirit, hope, magazine profiled Oxford Presbyterian Church in joy, and purpose as they meet new needs and serve the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its pastor, the Rev. world around them today in love. God always calls Ethelyn Taylor. When she was called to Oxford, only God’s people to service, not status. When God’s people four children attended its Sunday school. Taylor, rebuild their efforts to serve, God is glorified, and the who entered professional ministry after a three- gospel is shared.
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9781501876967_INT_75_77.indd 77 11/1/19 12:56 PM Daily Meditations | April 20–26
Monday | Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 The psalm-singer captures the dual character of righteous living: it is a response to (verses 1-2, 8) and preparation for further experience of (verse 13) God’s goodness and grace. For your merciful blessings, generous God, we praise you and pray our lives would open our own and others’ hearts to deeper reception and sharing of all the peace and love you give. Tuesday | Malachi 3:1-4 In its original context, Malachi’s message may have referred to the prophet himself (Malachi means “my messenger”) and anticipated the cleansing of corruption among the Levitical priesthood. Holy Spirit, purifying flame, purge us of sin that we may work to cleanse our world and our lives of injustice and sin. Wednesday | Isaiah 40:3-8 The voice the prophet Isaiah hears comes, not from a wilderness, but from the heavenly courts, announcing the radical transformation of the wilderness into God’s royal highway (verses 3-5). Help me to see glimmers of your glory in wild places today, Sovereign God, that my voice may announce your coming glory to those around me. Thursday | Luke 1:67, 76-80 John’s father, the priest Zechariah, foretold his son’s ministry as God’s prophet. How are you “preparing the way of the Lord” in your daily living? God Most High, may other people see, hear, and experience your deep compassion and peace in and through all I say and do, that I, too, may prepare your way in this world. Friday | Mark 1:1-8 John appears on the stage of Mark’s Gospel as though out of nowhere, in the desert wilderness. Is it possible we look for signs and listen for messages from God in the wrong places too much of time? God of the margins, move us to pay closer attention to those unexpected places and people in whom you are moving and through whom you are speaking your message of transforming truth. Saturday | John 1:19-28 These priests and Levites don’t seem to accept John’s multiple denials of messiahship, do they? Perhaps they fear John’s truthful answer will not satisfy the authorities to whom they must make a report (verse 22). Does our own anxiety about “reporting to” others—meeting others’ expectations, satisfying others’ conditions—ever keep us from recognizing and responding to God’s truth? Keep me focused on making my faithful answer to you alone, O God. Sunday | Acts 19:1-7 Even though the apostle Paul affirms the superiority of baptism in Jesus’ name, he recognizes the baptism John administered showed people “were changing their hearts and lives” (verse 4). How can we help those who do not know or believe in Jesus as Savior see a desire for his power they may not yet be aware of? Grant us grace, Lord Christ, to gently lead others to you, as you change us all into the people you want us to be. Key Verses: One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. I baptize you { with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.} (Mark 1:7-8) 78 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_78_80.indd 78 11/6/19 2:04 PM Lesson 9 | April 26 Lesson 8 | January 20 JOHN PREPARES THE WAY FOR CHRIST Lesson: Mark 1:1-8 • Background: Mark 1:1-8; John 1:19-28 You just don’t forget someone like John. John’s boldness also landed him in prison, and You don’t forget the way he looked, for starters. ultimately cost him his life. Josephus, the first-century That shaggy mantle made of camel’s hair, cinched Jewish historian, cites Herod’s fear of the crowds who around his waist with a leather strap? Hardly the went to John, who “seemed ready to do anything height of fashion, as Jesus later acknowledged, not [John] should advise,” as the reason he ordered the baptizer executed (Antiquities of the Jews, XVIII.5.2).4 without humor (Matthew 11:8; Luke 7:25). Who Josephus’s account doesn’t necessarily contradict did John think he was, dressing like that—Elijah the New Testament’s; had John not landed in jail (2 Kings 1:7-8), the ancient prophet in Israel who for preaching against Herod’s immorality, he may called down fiery judgment from heaven on pagan have kept his head longer (see Mark 6:22-26). And priests and ascended to heaven himself in a chariot of so, John’s disciples were busy burying their teacher’s flames? Well, Jesus would call him Elijah—and not just headless body even as Jesus’ disciples were busy curing because John wore the same wardrobe (Mark 9:13). diseases and casting out demons in their teacher’s name You also don’t forget what John ate. When my wife (Mark 6:29-30). and I toured Israel with a group two decades ago, our But Jesus and his disciples remembered John tour guide at one point held up a carob bean pod and the Baptist. The fact that John appears in all four told us John had eaten those, not actual insects. The Gospels (and is mentioned in Acts, Luke’s “sequel”) proves he loomed large in the early church’s memory. Ceratonia siliqua is, in fact, known as “locust bean” 1 It’s not even too much to suppose the earliest or “St. John’s bread.” Scholar James Tabor writes, Christians disagreed about how much John should be “the Greek word translated ‘locusts,’ (akris) seems to remembered, respected, and revered. clearly refer to a species of grasshopper” but goes on The Gospel of John (not named for the Baptizer), to say that akris is very close to enkris (like manna or generally considered the latest of the four, could yield honey-cake).2 Eating plants isn’t an especially vivid the most evidence of such a controversy. In its pages, dietary detail. Eating grasshoppers is. Hopefully, the John goes to great lengths to make his subordinate wild honey made John’s meals a little more pleasant, status to Jesus clear. The Baptizer freely confessed, whatever they were. “I’m not the Christ” (John 1:20); pointed his own And you certainly don’t forget someone who followers to Jesus, whom he called “Lamb of God” (1:29, 36); and met reports of Jesus’ growing ministry caused such a public sensation. Yes, Mark was with approval: “He must increase and I must decrease” exaggerating when he described the size of the crowds (3:30). Perhaps he actually said such things, but the John drew (verse 5). Everyone in Judea? All the people evangelist might be making his theological position on of Jerusalem? Not likely. But Mark’s hyperbole must John’s importance, relative to Jesus’, plain. be based in some memory of the impact John made, Still, the fourth Gospel’s position on John tracks even all the way out there in the wilderness around the with those in the other three. Luke tells us John, Jesus’ Jordan River. slightly older cousin, drew attention to Jesus even After all, John was the preacher who even attracted when they were both in their mothers’ wombs (Luke and troubled King Herod Antipas, the puppet 1:39-45). Matthew reports that John thought it more monarch Rome had installed over Judea, taking him appropriate to be baptized by Jesus and only baptized to task for divorcing his first wife so he could marry Jesus when Jesus insisted (Matthew 3:13-15). Whether Mark didn’t know other traditions about his still-living brother’s wife (Mark 6:18; see Leviticus 3 John or simply because he wrote a more economical 20:21). John’s willingness to call out Herod for this narrative, he includes only one detail to establish sin may well have raised John’s profile. We often look Jesus’ superiority to John, but it is crucial. The Baptist up to others bold enough to say what needs to be said declared that the people streaming to him should to those in power, don’t we? Especially when we aren’t look for one more powerful still to come, who will bold enough to say it ourselves. baptize them with God’s own Spirit. John claimed he www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 79
9781501876967_INT_78_80.indd 79 11/1/19 1:13 PM was unworthy of performing even a household slave’s scriptural citation pieced together from Isaiah 40:3 most menial duty for the one who is to come, so great and Malachi 3:1 do we readers know Jesus is the one is the gap between them (Mark 1:7-8). whom John’s ministry heralds (Mark 1:2-3). What is this baptism with the Spirit? Mark’s John Mark seems to remember John not for any doesn’t match Matthew’s or Luke’s for fiery talk of thundering oratory, not for his family connections to judgment (compare Matthew 3:7-12; Luke 3:7-9), Jesus, not even for any direct proclamation of Jesus he but he was readying God’s people for an end-of-the- may have made. Mark remembers John because the age event, an outpouring of the same light- and life- Baptist faithfully went about the work God had given giving power with which God created all things in him, perhaps, as Mark tells it, never even knowing the beginning. A new world is on its way, and John’s whether the stronger one he looked for had arrived... baptism signifies penitential preparation for it. but definitely remaining faithful even to death. John didn’t invent baptism. As scholar Pheme No. You just don’t forget someone like John. Perkins notes, “Several Jewish texts of the period associate washing in the flowing (i.e., living) waters of a river as part of the appeal to God for forgiveness.”5 But again, if Mark’s estimate of the crowds John attracted was more than careless exaggeration, a significant number of people were making that appeal by seeking baptism. John had one job, and he devoted himself to it: washing God’s people with water in order to prepare them for a greater “washing” in God’s Spirit. 1. Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/plant/carob Notably, Mark doesn’t tell us whether John even 2. TaborBlog, “Did John the Baptist Eat Bugs, Beans, or Pancakes?” knew Jesus was the one who would bring this washing James Tabor, December 20, 2015; https://jamestabor.com/did-john-the- about. Apart from the moment John baptized Jesus baptist-eat-bugs-beans-or-pancakes/ (verse 9), Mark recorded no interaction between the 3. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VIII,“The Gospel of Mark,” Pheme two men. Mark’s John says nothing about Jesus by Perkins (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 598. 4. Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 5.2, Flavius Josephus; http:// name—not even to send messengers from prison, as penelope.uchicago.edu/josephus/ant-18.html he does in Matthew and Luke, questioning whether 5. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VIII,Perkins, 531. Jesus is the one for whom he was waiting (Matthew 6. The College of William & Mary website, “William & Mary 1850– 11:2-6; Luke 7:18-23). Only because Mark “set 1899,” https://www.wm.edu/about/history/chronology/1850to1899/index. the stage” for John’s sudden entrance by way of a php
Maturing in Faith the men and women who have committed themselves My alma mater, the College of William and Mary in to obeying God’s call as they hear it and doing God’s Virginia, takes great pride in the fact that, while the work as they understand it, whether conditions are favorable or unfavorable, whether they see any school was closed for several years in the 1880s due favorable and practical results from what they do to lack of funding, its president, Benjamin Stoddert or not? What lessons in persistence, patience, and Ewell, faithfully rang the college bell every morning as 6 dependence upon God have you learned? a reminder “that the ancient College still lived.” I think of Deb, who directed a chronically- Mark’s portrait of John the Baptist makes me underfunded and short-staffed adult literacy tutoring think of President Ewell’s indefatigable bell-ringing, program for which I volunteered. She’d been at it for although John certainly made his noise for a greater, more than a decade, and softly but often lamented the transcendent purpose. In the wilderness, despite lack of money, the challenge of securing tutors and attracting risky attention to himself, and not knowing textbooks, and some students’ unwillingness to stick the outcome of his work, John nonetheless issued with the studies as they got more difficult. “But I keep the call to baptism every day, reminding all who planting the seeds,” she once told me, “hoping that would listen that God was not only alive but actively I’ll see some of them bloom.” I know she did see some preparing an outpouring of the Spirit. “blossoms,” but believe she would have kept on even if Who have been the bell ringers and baptizers she hadn’t because she was convinced it was work God you’ve known over your life of faith? Who have been gave her to do.
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9781501876967_INT_78_80.indd 80 11/1/19 1:13 PM Daily Meditations | April 27–May 3 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Psalm 36:5-10 The psalm-singer describes God’s constant love as a “river of pure joy” (verse 8). Like a strong, deep, and refreshing river, God’s love sustains our lives. With gladness, O God, I thank you for the ever-flowing, joy-inspiring river of your love, and pray you would spread its flow through me this day.
Tuesday | Psalm 46:1-11 This psalm’s most familiar verse, verse 10, is no quiet call to prayer, but a sudden and dramatic “cease fire” enforced by God upon the world’s warring nations. The river of God’s love is also the river of security and peace for God’s people. God of shalom, may we seek to be those through whom you bring peace, that all peoples may be glad in your presence.
Wednesday | Ezekiel 47:1-12 The prophet’s vision of the temple in Jerusalem in a future after the Babylonian Exile includes an ever-increasing amount of water flowing from the house of God. As the water grows deeper and deeper, it spreads new life wider and wider, and waters trees whose leaves bring healing where health is needed. Healing God, may your loving presence nourish me, that I may know the wholeness you desire.
Thursday | Revelation 21:9-14 Unlike our modern world’s biggest and brightest cities, the New Jerusalem is radiant not because of electric lights, but because God’s own glory is fully present there. By your grace, God of glory, may my life shine with your brilliance, that others may see and respond to the light of your love.
Friday | Revelation 21:15-21 The beautiful New Jerusalem, with its golden street, its dozen pearl gates, and its jewel-encrusted foundations, is a picture of perfection, as its dimensions suggest. The twelve gates, the twelve foundations, and the multiples of twelve in its measurements remind us of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus’ twelve apostles. In the new heaven and earth, God’s people will be whole. God of Israel, God of Christ: may your people experience now more of the wholeness you will bring in the New Jerusalem.
Saturday | Revelation 21:22-27 When God has come to dwell with humanity in immediate and inescapable glory, all of life becomes an ongoing service of worship. How might you make everything you do more worshipful? May I praise and proclaim you in all I say and do, O God, giving my whole life to you in worship.
Sunday | Revelation 22:1-5 The mention of the tree of life, watered by a river, can’t help but remind us of Eden. But the new world is not a return to the garden. It is life in a city—a human arrangement, now redeemed and perfected by God’s grace. O God, move me always to seek the welfare of my city, looking always for the day when your heavenly city comes. Key Verse: Night will be no more. They won’t need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them, and they will { rule forever and always. (Revelation 22:5)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 81
9781501876967_INT_81_83.indd 81 11/6/19 2:05 PM Lesson 10 | May 3 THE RIVER OF LIFE-GIVING WATER Lesson: Revelation 22:1-5 • Background: Revelation 21:9–22:5 When you tour someplace you’ve never been, do you “Lord” belonged only to their teacher—who had been want to see the sights in as much detail as possible? Or crucified as an enemy of the state. are you content to soak up the sense of a place, not From its vantage point, Rome had done so much stressing too much about catching all the specifics? civilizing good for the world—the aqueducts, the In the final chapters of Revelation, John, a late roads, the Pax—surely requiring its subjects to pay first-century Christian prophet who may have been homage to the emperor wasn’t too much to ask. To a political exile because of his preaching (see 1:9), most Romans, worshipping Caesar was probably as attempted to take his readers on a “tour” of God’s perfunctory as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is to “new heaven and . . . new earth” (21:1), replicating in most US citizens today. limited, human language the tour on which an angel But our first-century forebears in faith were far had taken him during a mystic trance (21:10). To get more discriminating about to what and to whom they as much out of this tour as possible, we must use both pledged allegiance. They belonged to the Lord Jesus, kinds of sightseeing—looking at the general and the and to him alone—to him “who loves us and freed us specific, the fine details and the big picture, without from our sins by his blood, who made us a kingdom, letting one obscure the other. priests to his God and Father—to him”—not to any For most English speakers, the word “apocalyptic” human prince—“be glory and power forever and carries cataclysmic connotations, though the word always” (1:5-6). “apocalypse” simply derives from the Greek word for John could see his community’s faithfulness to “unveiling.” Through arresting imagery and heavily God putting it on a collision course with the Empire. symbolic language, apocalyptic literature offers a Persecution had been brutal but sporadic in the past. glimpse “behind the scenes” of the world, a peek John anticipated more widespread and sustained “backstage” or “behind the curtain” at a meaning and persecution to come, and so he wanted to sustain his purpose in history normally hidden from us. readers by helping them see and hear, through his It’s easy to get bogged down in Revelation’s words, what he had seen and heard in his vision. strange, specific details. But to grasp what John wants And what John saw and heard, when given his to communicate—or, more accurately, what the Spirit chance to peer behind the cosmic veil, was this: God wants to communicate to the churches (3:22) using will not forever leave this old, broken, and sinful world John’s inspired imagination and literary artistry—we as it is. God is even now in control, and God will can’t let this text’s details so absorb us that we lose defeat all forces opposed to God’s good will. In God’s sight of the message he says he heard God’s voice good time, God will reclaim and redeem the world to announce loud and clear: “Look! I’m making all things make it the world God has always wanted it to be. new” (21:5). In a book filled with pictures of this message, John wrote for an audience in need of some the picture of the New Jerusalem is the biggest. This assurance, some promise, that all things will become beautiful city symbolizes God’s reality-transforming, new. In the late 90s CE, the Roman Empire had not unending presence with humanity. Because God is yet begun widespread persecution of Christians. But with the peoples of the world (the Greek word in 21:3 John believed, correctly, the Empire had the still- is plural, not singular), they will no longer experience young but steadily growing sect in its crosshairs. the powers set against God’s good gift of life. Dying, After all, Christians often refused to play along at grief, pain, sadness, tears—all will be gone (21:4). being good citizens. They didn’t offer incense at the God’s will for life will finally and fully prevail. statues of Caesar nor did they refer to His Imperial That is the big picture, the bold proclamation Majesty as “Lord.” This refusal led to Christians of John’s vision that he hoped would motivate them being accused of “atheism,” for they did not worship to remain faithful as opposition mounted and as Rome’s gods. They insisted the titles of “God” and martyrdom became a more pressing possibility. It is a
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9781501876967_INT_81_83.indd 82 11/1/19 12:49 PM call “for the endurance of the saints, who keep God’s each other, gathered as God’sLesson peoples 8 (compare| January Isaiah 20 commandments and keep faith with Jesus” (14:12). 2:1-4). Once we have John’s message firmly fixed in our Of course, for all the New Jerusalem has to see, minds and hearts, we can examine the details he used it’s also notable for what we don’t see there. We see no to sound it in all its richness. We can become those temple (21:22) because worship of God is at the heart “tourists” who closely observe all we can about the of life in the city. No set-apart “sacred space” is needed New Jerusalem, asking how all we see points to God’s because God’s presence is everywhere and immediate. life-giving presence. And we see no lights—not the artificial light of a One of the most prominent details is “the river lamp, not the natural light of either moon or sun— of life-giving water” flowing through the city’s center because God is the peoples’ light, and the darkness of (22:1-2). It’s not hard to understand why water night never falls (21:23; 22:5). symbolizes life. Without water, life cannot exist. Note Touring the New Jerusalem with John by looking that this water issues from “the throne of God and at its details in light of the big picture, we may begin the Lamb” (verse 1)—the Lamb of God who was to see not only how much our world differs from the slaughtered but lives (see Revelation 5), the crucified new world God has promised to bring about, but also and risen Jesus who shares his Father’s throne. Many how much we can do, even now, to participate in the supposed sources of life exist, and we turn to many ways God is already making old things new, before “waters” in attempts to slake our deepest thirsts. But God at last makes all things new in the end. true life, including new and eternal life beyond death, comes only from God. John wanted his readers, who might soon be facing martyrdom, to know this truth. But the crystal river gives life not only to individuals. John’s phrasing is awkward—he is, after all, attempting to describe the indescribable—but “the tree of life” grows on both of the river’s banks, bearing a dozen kinds of fruit and growing leaves “for the healing of the nations” (22:2). What an astonishing sight for John’s readers, who knew the world’s violence and would soon have it directed at them. In God’s new reality to come, the nations will not be gone, but will be whole and at peace, with themselves and with
Maturing in Faith Sunday, looked at me ashen-faced and grief-stricken as In Revelation 21 and 22, John doesn’t picture the he shook my hand on his way out the door and asked, New Jerusalem as someplace we go to when we die. If “Did you mean that? You don’t think I’m going to see Margaret again in heaven?” anything, in picturing God’s city descending to earth Truthfully, I may not quite have felt the tug of (21:2), he pictures heaven as coming to us. But part an invisible millstone around my neck, but I had an of my own maturing in faith has involved learning to intense desire to sink down into my pulpit robe and appreciate how and why traditional language about never come out of hiding. “going to heaven” matters to so many believers. I’ve learned that maturing in faith sometimes I’ll never forget—and will never stop cringing means speaking softly and cautiously about the details when I remember—how, as a fresh-out-of-seminary of what God has prepared for us in life beyond death, pastor, I once confidently declared in a sermon, but always boldly and truthfully about the broadness “Heaven is not a place; heaven is life in the presence of God’s goodness and God’s love. Whatever heaven of God.” I could marshal plenty of Scripture to defend may or may not be like, whatever images (and there that statement, including John’s vision of the New are many) we find in Scripture to describe it, Jesus’ Jerusalem. But that fact made me feel no better when death and resurrection prepared and reveals what God one of the congregation’s most devoted members, has in store for us, and for the world—a new life that whose wife of decades had died not long before that will be holy and good.
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9781501876967_INT_81_83.indd 83 11/1/19 12:49 PM Daily Meditations | May 4–10
Monday | Psalm 115:9-18 The psalm preserves a call-and-response emphasizing God’s favor toward and strength exercised on behalf of Israel. God relates to us in fundamentally gracious ways. We praise you, O God, our help and our shield, for remembering and relating to us in love.
Tuesday | Psalm 40:11-17 The psalm-singer claims the corporate trust in God’s powerful goodness on a personal, individual level. Whenever evils surround us—including the evils we commit and their consequences (verse 12)—we can cry to God for help and rescue. Gracious God, inspire me to seek you when I am troubled, that I may add my voice to the chorus of your people’s praise. Wednesday | Jonah 1:4-17 The Bible doesn’t say it was a whale, but God provided “a great fish” (verse 17) to swallow Jonah, the reluctant prophet, in whose belly he recognized and rejoiced in God’s grace. He would still, however, have trouble accepting God’s display of grace to Israel’s enemies. God of surprising mercies, help us always celebrate your grace, especially when you shower it upon those whom we would never choose to receive it. Thursday | Revelation 12:1-6, 13-16 John’s vision of the childbearing woman in heaven pursued by a dragon is, in part, a symbolic story of God’s grace. It reflects John’s conviction that God would guard and defend the church under Rome’s imminent persecution. Strong God, we pray for your people wherever they face persecution and ask that you use our prayers and our resources to protect and nourish them in the face of danger. Friday | Matthew 6:25-34 To the eyes of faith, signs of God’s grace in nature abound. When have you most recently stopped to appreciate the lilies of the field or the birds of the air? Generous Creator, assure us of your provision and your love, that we may be instruments of your love and provision for all people and for the world you have given us. Saturday | Genesis 4:1-9 More than individual wrong deeds, sin is a beast-like power, pacing as it waits for a chance to strike us. While Christians trust Jesus alone as Savior, might we not rely more readily on his Spirit’s power to resist the sin-beast and live lives of righteousness here and now? Empower us to do right, O God, and to experience your accepting favor. Sunday | Genesis 3:21; 4:10-16 These “grace notes” in Genesis’ earliest stories—the clothes God tailors for Adam and Eve, the protective mark God grants to Cain—ring out with compelling clarity. God judges us when we sin, but God’s judgment does not contradict God’s mercy. Even as we confess and face the consequences of our sin, loving God, may we put our trust in your amazing grace.
Key Verse: The Lord God made the man and his wife leather clothes { and dressed them. (Genesis 3:21)} 84 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_84_86.indd 84 11/6/19 2:06 PM Lesson 11 | May 10 Lesson 8 | January 20
GOD’S GRACE TOWARD ADAM, EVE, AND CAIN Lesson: Genesis 3:21; 4:10-16 • Background: Genesis 3:21; 41:1-16 Lynne has been a devout Christian and a faithful ample evidence that Jesus did not somehow “invent” Bible-reader her whole life. Not too long ago, she even the idea of a loving God. Born into and raised by a worked her way through a “read the entire Bible in a devout Jewish family, Jesus knew the Scriptures, and year” program. So, she caught me by surprise when those Scriptures confirmed his faith in the Creator she mentioned, almost in passing, that “God is much God of Israel who is “compassionate and merciful, more loving in the New Testament than God is in the very patient, and full of faithful love” (Psalm 103:8). Old.” They do not contradict it. How, I wondered, could a woman who’s been a From its first pages, Scripture shows us God’s grace, Christian for some seven decades believe that? for Creation itself is a gift. This universe, this beautiful Of course, she isn’t the only Christian who does. world, this world God deemed “supremely good” One of my seminary professors cautioned, “We’re all (Genesis 1:31), overflowing with life, including human heretics about something.” He meant we all have biases beings created in God’s own image—none of it had to and presuppositions shaping what we believe. It takes be, but all of it is. God would be God without any of it, critical thought and emotional awareness to recognize but God chose to make a reality outside God’s own self our theological “blind spots.” in order to be in relationship with it. In the beginning, But this particular blind spot has bedeviled there was grace! Christians since the faith’s earliest days. It even has its And despite our resistance to that relationship own name—Marcionism, so called for the second- with God, there is still grace. In our lesson for March century Christian who, as doctrinal historian John 1, we read about and reflected on Adam and Eve’s N.D. Kelly writes, “refused to identify the God of disobedience. We saw the consequences brought by love revealed in the New Testament with the wrathful their violation of God’s commandment: expulsion Creator God of the Old Testament.”1 from paradise. But we also saw God dress them before For Marcion, only the merciful compassion Jesus they left, garbing them in more durable clothing than displayed defines divine truth. Marcion even adopted they could make for themselves from fig leaves (3:7, his own, radically-abridged Bible, which contained 21). God created human beings to be physically and no Old Testament at all, only shortened and edited spiritually naked—open, honest, unashamed before versions of Paul’s Letters, and Luke’s Gospel. Marcion each other and before the Creator (2:25). Eve and was that certain the church had gone wrong in Adam’s sin disrupted this design, but God graciously identifying the God and Father of Jesus Christ as the accommodated the disruption without approving God of Israel who brought all things into being, and it. The leather clothes symbolize the first humans’ who gave Israel the Law at Sinai. estrangement from God and from the rest of the Though the church excommunicated Marcion natural world with which they had lived in harmony, and condemned his teaching, his influence endures, while giving them at least a fighting chance to stay safe as Lynne’s offhand comment reminded me. True, she and warm in this newly hostile life. didn’t talk about two Gods, as Marcion did, but she God’s early grace toward sinful humanity appears saw the same supposed discrepancy between God’s even more strongly in the story of Cain and Abel. character in the Old Testament and the New, even The narrator does not tell us why God accepted Abel’s after a lifetime of participating in mainline Christian sacrifice over his brother Cain’s, and it’s ultimately worship, listening to Christian preaching, and acting irrelevant, as nothing would justify his subsequent in Christian service. actions. The fact that we don’t know why God rejected How have so many in the Christian church come Cain’s offering doesn’t mean Cain didn’t know, but to read the Old Testament so incorrectly? It yields verses 5-7 suggest that Cain sinned somehow.
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9781501876967_INT_84_86.indd 85 11/1/19 12:50 PM Though God rejected the offering, Cain was not through all of Scripture. If the good news that Jesus rejected. Just the opposite: God encouraged Cain to died to save sinners had emerged out of nowhere in resist the power of sin prowling around, waiting to New Testament times as a radically new and different pounce. God treated Cain as someone responsible teaching, we would have to hold it suspect. It would enough to know what is right and capable of doing it. be too good to be true, this idea that we, sinful but Even when Cain committed an even greater struggling Cains, all of us, could cry out for and wrong by killing his brother, God graciously stayed expect favor and protection from God as we wander with him. Who knows what might have happened ever farther from paradise. had Cain answered God’s question honestly, But the grace we receive through Jesus is none declaring, “I am my brother’s guardian, and I have other than the grace of the God of Israel, who “doesn’t violated that holy responsibility”? God pronounced deal with us according to our sin or repay us according judgment on Cain by cursing the ground that would to our wrongdoing” (Psalm 103:10). The God of Israel, no longer yield to his labor or provide his livelihood, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, marks us but God also proclaimed mercy. Not absolution or a as God’s own, clothes us with garments of salvation, shoulder shrug as though Abel’s murder didn’t matter, and gives us new and eternal life. From beginning to but mercy all the same. God marked Cain to protect end, Old Testament to New, and Alpha to Omega, him, even though Cain did not protect his own God is the God of grace. brother (4:15). Ironically, the phrase “mark of Cain” today connotes shame and stigma. Historically, the idea of Cain’s mark has also been abused to justify racism and 1. Encyclopedia Britannica, “Patristic literature,” John N.D. Kelly; anti-Semitism. But Genesis clearly presents it as an https://www.britannica.com/topic/patristic-literature#ref67678 example of God’s grace so astounding that it borders 2. Mission of Israel to the UN in Geneva, “About the Jewish Religion”; on the offensive—as grace so often does, when https://embassies.gov.il/UnGeneva/AboutIsrael/People/Pages/Jewish-Religion. extended to anyone but us. Why should Cain—who aspx refused to do what was right, who struck down his 3. Anti-Defamation League, “2017 Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents”; own flesh and blood in anger—be granted God’s https://www.adl.org/resources/reports/2017-audit-of-anti-semitic-incidents 4. The New York Times, “One Dead in Synagogue Shooting Near San protection as he wandered ever farther from paradise? Diego; Officials Call It Hate Crime,” Jennifer Medina, Christopher But the scandalous nature of God’s grace is Mele and Heather Murphy, April 27, 2019; https://www.nytimes. one reason it’s so important we see it as a constant com/2019/04/27/us/poway-synagogue-shooting.html
Maturing in Faith largest single-year increase on record.”3 Those For too long, Christian assumptions that the “Old incidents included the violent white nationalism in Testament God” is all about wrath while the “New Charlottesville. The next year, an anti-Semitic shooter Testament God” is all about grace have caused the killed eleven worshippers at Tree of Life synagogue distorted view that Judaism is a legalistic, loveless in Pittsburgh. On the last day of Passover in 2019, a religion, while Christianity is loving and forgiving. gunman attacked the Chabad synagogue in Poway, This mischaracterization contributes to toxic, tragic California, killing one person and wounding three outcomes. more.4 Yes, observing God’s law is central to Judaism. An Both Old and New Testaments contain vivid official statement from the state of Israel’s mission to expressions of God’s judgment and God’s mercy, God’s the United Nations says the Jewish religion teaches “it wrath and God’s grace. Misrepresenting God as “more is by deeds, not creed, that the world is judged; the loving” in the New Testament reinforces negative, righteous of all nations have a share in the ‘world to hurtful, and hateful stereotypes about Judaism that come.’”2 But the Bible teaches that God gave the law to are significant, long-standing elements in anti-Semitic Israel in love, and a focus on deed over creed also finds speech and act. We Christians must reject these prominent expression in the New Testament, such as stereotypes when we hear and see them, standing with Jesus’ parable of the judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. our Jewish neighbors in a shared commitment to the The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported God of justice and love. a 57% rise in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017—“the
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9781501876967_INT_84_86.indd 86 11/1/19 12:50 PM Daily Meditations | May 11–17 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Numbers 11:4-9, 21-23 It appears the longer the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, the easier it became for them to forget the manna’s miraculous nature. They longed for the meat they ate as slaves in Egypt instead of the bread they ate as God’s free people. How quickly we can take God’s blessings for granted! God our provider, may I never dismiss your gifts, but use and share them always for your glory.
Tuesday | Psalm 105:37-43 The psalm-singer remembers God’s miraculous provision of food and water with joy (saving any discussion of the people’s eventual grumbling for the next psalm!). When we remember that all our sustenance comes from God’s hand, supernaturally or not, we can also rejoice. May every meal make me glad and grateful for your gifts, O God.
Wednesday | Exodus 16:2-8 Wishing for death in the face of hardship is perhaps understandable, but wishing for death at God’s own hand (verse 3) is an affront to the One whose will is always for our life and freedom. Loving God, when I face difficulties and hardships, may I always thank you for life and look to you for help and hope.
Thursday | Exodus 16:9-15 God’s loving provision for the people is so great; the food they clamor for comes twice a day: quail in the evening, manna in the morning. If we can’t stop to recognize and give thanks for God’s gifts at least twice a day, perhaps we aren’t looking diligently enough for the signs of God’s grace. For your daily mercies and undeserved blessings, generous God, we give you thanks and praise.
Friday | Exodus 16:16-21 Although the manna was God’s gift, the people still had to gather it—and, as we read on Monday, grind it, shape it, and bake it. God has given us the resources we need, but we must work to use them as wisely and as widely as possible. We thank you, O God, for your gifts and for the strength to live as good stewards of them.
Saturday | Exodus 16:22-30 Even though God’s “official” Sabbath-keeping commandment awaits the people at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11), the Sabbath rest from gathering manna reflects the importance of rest in God’s design for human life. Keeping one day holy—set apart—for God is not only much- needed time for renewal, but a much-needed reminder that all our days belong to our Creator. God of all our time, may our times of rest show that we trust in you to provide.
Sunday | John 6:26-35 Like the miraculous manna in the wilderness, Jesus came from God. Unlike that perishable bread, Jesus will provide eternal sustenance. Lord Jesus, we thank you for feeding us with your very life, that we may live eternally with you in this world as well as your world to come. Key Verse: I’ve heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them, “At twilight you will eat meat. And in the morning you will have your fill of bread. { Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” (Exodus 16:12)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 87
9781501876967_INT_87_89.indd 87 11/1/19 12:51 PM Lesson 12 | May 17 GOD PROVIDES FOOD IN THE WILDERNESS Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15 • Background: Exodus 16:2-30 Recent dinner conversations in my home shape how if we choose to see the manna as an example of the I hear the Israelites’ question in today’s Bible reading. wondrous, providential balance God wove into the It’s the same question my eleven-year-old daughter has world. been asking lately about the food set before her. But the story as we have it won’t let us explain My wife heroically shoulders the biggest share of the manna simply as louse secretion, unless we are planning our family’s menus and is spearheading an also willing to believe the lice kept the Sabbath effort to have us eat healthier food more often. But my (Exodus 16:23-25). And the context makes it clear daughter isn’t always completely “on board” with the the people’s question was a contentious one. The results. She’ll give some of the fresh, non-processed story is bookended by episodes in which the Hebrews dishes a sidelong glance—baked falafel was one, complained about Moses’ leadership because they were avocado sandwiches another—and ask, in a wary and thirsty—and on both occasions, God miraculously reluctant tone, “What is it?” provided water to drink: bitter waters made sweet What it really is, of course, is a tangible (and an (Exodus 15:22-25), then water flowing from a rock exceptionally tasty) expression of love. My wife loves (17:1-7). And the manna itself immediately followed our family enough to spend extra effort and time “a flock of quail” (16:13) that suddenly showed up preparing dinners that taste good and are good for us. to satisfy the people’s longing for meat (verse 3). As It’s also evidence of good fortune. We don’t play scholar Walter Brueggemann writes, this entire section the old “there are starving children” card to guilt her of Exodus demonstrates how, at every turn, “the need into eating; still, for too many people in the world, of Israel is more than met by the powerful generosity including the US, asking, “What is it?” about a plate of Yahweh.”2 full of fresh and nutritious food is an unimaginable That’s a big reason it’s hard not to hear the people’s luxury. The opportunity our family has to eat a varied question, “What is it?” without hearing an undertone diet is a privilege we all, not just my daughter, too of skepticism, stubbornness, or reluctance about often take for granted. We do not inherently deserve receiving God’s offering of love and grace. This extra it any more than any other family, and we should be effort God has made to provide a meal for the people, thankful for the gift. both good and good for them, is a privilege they do The narrator of Exodus appears to take the not inherently deserve more than any other people (see question at face value. When the people saw that flaky 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:7-8). They should be thankful. substance on the desert sand in the morning sunlight, I do not want to read this story first as though they only asked what it was because they “didn’t know” it is about something other than food. Our (Exodus 16:15). Manna, after all, means “what is it?” nation’s population leads the world in both calorie But I suspect their query might have had the same consumption and food spending. We also toss out edge my daughter’s does. It’s not simply a request for 200,000 tons of edible food every day3 while one out information. It’s a reluctance to receive an offering of of every eight citizens—including more than twelve love and grace. million children—lacks consistent access to food.4 So, each day, when the people ate “what is it?” It is far too tempting for someone like me, who has what did they eat? Writing for Smithsonian, Lisa easy access to food and who also throws it away, to Bramen suggests that the manna was actually a “sweet- rush to a “spiritualized” reading. I could expound tasting secretion of a kind of plant lice” found in at length on today’s key verse as evidence that God’s the Sinai desert.1 That explanation doesn’t sound as primary purpose in sending the manna—and the appetizing as calling it “the grain of heaven . . . the quail, and the water—wasn’t so much to feed Israel as bread of angels” (Psalm 78:24-25, NRSV)! But would to glorify God’s self: “Then you will know that I am it diminish the manna’s miraculous character? Not the Lord your God” (verse 12). I don’t even think necessarily, if we believe the insect kingdom is as much such a reading is all that wrongheaded. I had forgotten the Creator’s handiwork as the animal kingdom is, or that the story’s climax is arguably not the Hebrews’ 88 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_87_89.indd 88 11/1/19 12:51 PM discovery of the manna, but the whole community’s What would it take forLesson us to change 8 | Januaryour will and 20 sight of “the glorious presence of the Lord” (verse 10) our ways with food so that the whole community, dancing in the desert, in their midst. the whole world God loves and has pledged to bless As the text stresses several times, God had heard through God’s covenant family, would finally see the people’s complaints, just as God heard their cry God’s glorious and gracious presence, dancing in all when they were slaves in Egypt. In response, God drew our deserts, in the midst of us all? near and took action. God desired to be in a covenant Maybe then, when we ask, “What is it?” we would relationship with Israel, through which God would ask it with awe and wonder, lost in love and praise. bless and redeem the whole world. Yes, the manna, meat, and water are miracles, but might the real miracle be the relationship in which “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4, KJV)? The manna, meat, and water are signs—sacraments, perhaps—of something bigger, something greater; but something more comfortably abstract, which we could define as we wish. The “glory of God” can quickly become a pretty, but also a pretty vague, phrase when sundered from specifics. What if God still more than meets people’s need Smithsonian.com, today, including their need of food? 1. “What the Heck Was Manna, Anyway?” Lisa Bramen; April 8, 2009; https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts- What if God’s grace still abounds in this material culture/what-the-heck-was-manna-anyway-56294548/ way as well as in “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 2. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. I, “The Book of Exodus,” 1:3)—but we, like some in those wilderness-wandering Walter Brueggemann (Abingdon Press, 1994), 805. tribes so long ago, are hoarding much more than our 3. International Business Degree Guide, “Hungry daily bread (Exodus 16:20)? What if God still intends Planet: Consumption Around the Globe”; https://www. for an abundance of food for all to glorify God and internationalbusinessguide.org/hungry-planet/ to make God known among the nations, but the 4. Hunger + Health | Feeding America, “What Is Food reluctance some of us feel about receiving and sharing Insecurity?”; https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/ God’s offering of love and grace is getting in the way? understand-food-insecurity/
Maturing in Faith Again, you’ll find nothing to satisfy a gourmand’s taste For one month every summer, the congregation with buds, but the pantry provides “daily bread” once a which I worship hosts about fifty people who are month to families across our county. homeless in our church building’s basement at night. There’s yet another congregation down the road We make sure each guest has a sack lunch to take with that hosts meal-packaging events for Rise Against them when they leave the building each morning. Our Hunger on a regular basis. The social hall becomes a “never say never” volunteer coordinator mobilizes us sight to behold, full of volunteers preparing bags of into daily peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwich assembly rice and soy that, when they reach their destinations lines and arranges donations of bottled water, fresh in hunger-stricken communities around the world, fruit, and snacks. It’s hardly gourmet dining, but it’s become nutritious meals. the only food some of our visitors get to eat during the Hunger in the US and abroad is an overwhelming day. problem. Individually, none of these or similar efforts Another congregation not far from us hosts an make any dramatic, overnight impact. But as we emergency food pantry, which several churches, mature in faith, we realize we have an ongoing part to synagogues, and other organizations help keep fully play in providing the daily bread for which so many stocked. Rice, noodles, pasta sauce, canned fruit, shelf- pray. And while we can’t stop paying attention to stable milk, and just-add-water pancake mix always larger, systemic solutions for hunger, we can all take rank high on the list of requested donations—as does small, immediate steps to glorify God by meeting our money, because the food pantry can make financial neighbors’ needs. donations go further than individual consumers can.
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9781501876967_INT_87_89.indd 89 11/1/19 12:51 PM Daily Meditations | May 18–24
Monday | Colossians 1:9-14 The author paints salvation as God’s great and daring rescue mission, moving us from danger to safety—from darkness to light, death to life. How much are we willing to dare to share the news of what God has done? May your Spirit make me bold, great God, to declare your forgiveness and grace in Jesus so others may celebrate salvation.
Tuesday | 1 Peter 1:17-23 For Peter, the freedom we find in Christ’s death makes it possible for us to live a new kind of life here and now, loving others deeply and truly. We cannot declare we are saved only in what we say. The way we live and love must declare our salvation too. We praise you, Lord Jesus, for the blood you spilled to save us so we might live lives of love.
Wednesday | 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The deliverance God gives us in Jesus turns the world’s values and priorities upside down. If we have been saved, how much have our values and priorities been turned on their heads? O God, increase my trust in your wisdom and way, and decrease my dependence on what the world considers important.
Thursday | 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 We are understandably curious about the details of heaven, but Paul shows restraint when he discusses paradise. For him, the focus is not the unutterable glories of life with God in other worlds, but the difference life with God, through Christ, makes in this world (see 12:9). Holy God, may I discover, as Paul did, that your saving strength is more than enough for me in my weakness.
Friday | Acts 7:54-60 Stephen sees heaven opened and displayed, but describes only that most worth describing: the presence of the risen Christ (verses 55-56). To be in Jesus’ presence, even in times of trouble and death, is to be in paradise. Grant me to see your majesty, great God, and Jesus at your side, when I am in danger and afraid, and assure me anew of your salvation.
Saturday | 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Paul stresses that we are temporary residents of this world. But this knowledge leads not to indifference, but to living with confidence (verse 6). Because we look for our eternal home, we are free to act as Jesus would have us act in our temporary home, for justice and love. In your mercy, Lord Christ, find us acceptable in your sight, whether away in this world or, at the last, at home forever with you.
Sunday | Luke 23:32-33, 39-43 Cynics may see it as an “eleventh-hour conversion,” but Luke does not actually describe the thief as “penitent,” only as confident in Christ’s ability to forgive and to save. May I have the same trust, loving God, that your Son, my Savior, will bring me to paradise.
Key Verses: Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “I assure you that today { you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)} 90 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_90_92.indd 90 11/1/19 1:17 PM Lesson 13 | May 24 Lesson 8 | January 20 GRACE TO THE DYING THIEF Lesson: Luke 23:32-33, 39-43 • Background: Luke 23:32-43 When we considered Jesus’ crucifixion on Palm/ martyrs.”1 And when Luke recounts the death of Passion Sunday, we read Mark’s account. Like Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in his Acts of the Matthew after him (27:44), Mark reports the two Apostles, he includes Stephen’s similar intercession on criminals crucified alongside Jesus mocked him as behalf of those who stone him (Acts 7:60). The man onlookers and passersby did (15:32). But whether who taught his disciples to pray for those who mistreat Luke is drawing from a tradition unknown to his them (Luke 6:28) practiced what he preached, even fellow evangelists or is exercising some divinely- facing his own death. Is it possible the one criminal inspired artistry, Luke tells us only one of those heard Jesus’ prayer and thought that, if Jesus could ask criminals berated Jesus. The other sought and received God’s mercy for the men carrying out his unjust death Jesus’ blessing. sentence, Jesus might also intercede on his behalf, even Specifically, this man asked Jesus to “remember” though he was “receiving the appropriate sentence” for him when he, Jesus, begins to reign as “the king of his deeds (verse 41)? the Jews” (verse 38). This man’s plea echoed the cries Look at the scene again: Jesus hanging there of the psalm-singer (106:4) and those of others who between two other crucified men; one calling on him called to God for help (for instance, Hannah in 1 to harangue him, the other calling on him in simple Samuel 1:11 or the prophet in Jeremiah 15:15). The supplication. “This is the only time any character [in God of Israel—the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Luke] calls Jesus by his first name only,” writes one Christ—is a God who remembers, both individuals commenter in The CEB Storyteller’s Bible, “and creates and God’s people, in times of trouble, and who takes a moment of intimacy between the two.”2 And as action to save (Genesis 8:1; 19:29; Psalm 132:1; the one crucified man figuratively moved closer to Jeremiah 31:20). It’s this divine memory on which Jesus, the other figuratively moved further away. If the the one condemned man depended. Only if Jesus scene seems familiar, it’s because it’s a scene we’ve seen remembers him as God remembers does he have any played out repeatedly in Luke’s Gospel: a sharp, stark hope beyond death. division between those who reject Jesus and those who What moves the one man to rebuke the other, accept him. to refuse to join that other’s mockery of Jesus and to In Luke, Jesus is destined to create such division. throw himself, pinned though he is to his cross, on The prophet Simeon, holding the infant Jesus in his Jesus’ mercy instead? Why should he think this man arms, told Mary (and Joseph): “This boy is assigned to whom he knows Rome is executing unjustly has any the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and power to save him? to be a sign that generates opposition” (2:34). Once We can’t know for certain, but perhaps the way Jesus began his public ministry, it didn’t take long for in which Jesus meets death strikes him. Luke records that opposition to begin, either. No sooner had he no anguished cry from Jesus, as Matthew and Mark preached his inaugural sermon in Nazareth, where he do. Luke makes no notice of Jesus thirsting, as John dared to suggest (basing his comments in Scripture, does. Far from it. Luke alone reports—in a verse not no less) that God loves and acts on behalf of Gentiles, all manuscripts of the Gospel include—that Jesus the congregation tried to throw him off a cliff (4:29)! prayed for God to forgive those responsible for his And on it goes—as religious authorities questioned crucifixion because they acted in ignorance (verse 34). his Sabbath activities, including the miracles of Scholar R. Alan Culpepper surveys the evidence for healing he performed (6:1-11; 13:10-17; 14:1-6); and against the verse having been an original part of as various villages refused to welcome him and the Luke’s Gospel and concludes it “favors accepting the apostles he sends (9:51-56; 10:14-16); as he debated prayer as authentic,” in part because it “fits Luke’s other interpreters of the Torah about what God truly style, the Lukan emphasis on forgiveness, and Luke’s requires (11:27-54); as he drove out merchants from presentation of Jesus’ death as a model for Christian the temple (19:45-48). At point after point, as Jesus
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9781501876967_INT_90_92.indd 91 11/1/19 1:14 PM announced the good news of God’s impending When humanity first sinned, God drove us out of salvation, many of the people embraced it and him— the garden and stationed angels with flaming swords often great crowds of the poor, the prisoners, the at its entrance (Genesis 3:24). Now Jesus, stationed oppressed (see 4:18)—while others—usually leaders on his cross, promised the one man he would be who thought Jesus threatened their authority and with him in paradise—originally a Persian word for a their privilege—did not. king’s walled garden, used in the Greek translation of Jesus himself saw this separation as part of his Hebrew Scripture to describe the garden of Eden4— purpose. It’s jarring to hear him saying so, but he that very day (Luke 23:43). does: “Do you think that I have come to bring peace Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead entrance to paradise is unguarded once more. God to bring division” (12:51). He says he has come to will welcome us back into the fellowship for which set even the members of a single household against we were made, walking with God in Eden’s evening each other (12:52). “Although the kingdom of God breezes. The only barriers now are the ones we put in is characterized by reconciliation and peace,” writes our own way, the ones to which we stubbornly cling Culpepper, “the announcement of that kingdom with our dying breaths—and because we are mortal, is always divisive because it requires decision and every breath is a dying breath. Will we call on the commitment.”3 name of Jesus, the only name “given among humans Even in these extreme circumstances, the one through which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), even criminal was unwilling or unable to put hope in the today? man who had just invoked God’s boundless mercy even for his own enemies’ sake. With his dying breaths, this one criminal clung to suspicion and scorn, channeling his admittedly understandable fear and anger into abuse against the very one who could forgive him. But the other criminal hears the announcement of God’s reconciling love for what it is, his only remaining hope for pardon and peace; 1. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. IX, “The Gospel of Luke,” R. Alan Culpepper, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 455. and with his dying breaths he entrusted himself to 2. The CEB Storyteller’s Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2017), 1441. Jesus (23:42), as Jesus would, moments later, entrust 3. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. IX,Culpepper, 266. himself to God (verse 46). 4. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. IX,Culpepper, 458.
Maturing in Faith more valuable to let each group member grapple with In a Bible study group I recently participated in, the mystery of God’s grace, in his or her way. I don’t one man brought up the “penitent thief” in today’s believe I’ve ever “figured it out” entirely, either. Why not allow more time and space as a community of faith reading. “It just doesn’t seem fair,” he said. “You live to ask questions without rushing to definitive answers? your whole life believing in God and trying to do the Coming to terms with grace is an ongoing part right thing and be a good person. So, why should of maturing as a Christian. But I think one way to somebody else who just does whatever the heck they understand God’s grace is to practice more grace of feel like doing get to go to heaven just because they say our own. In Luke’s Gospel, as this scene at Jesus’ cross they believe in Jesus right before they die?” illustrates, forgiveness is a dominant theme. We may One of our group’s other members said, “Well, you never, in this life, fully comprehend the workings of have to assume the dying person’s conversion is sincere God’s grace. But the more we follow Jesus’ command . . .” Another said, “But we’re all sinners. Isn’t every sin and example, practicing compassion because our equally wrong in God’s eyes?” Father in heaven is compassionate (see Luke 6:36-38), Me? I wasn’t sure what, if anything, to say. I had the less important such intellectual questions may feelings about what each person was saying, and I seem because we will be experiencing in our deep could have quoted relevant Bible verses for each part beings the life-changing power of grace more and of the conversation. But in the moment, it seemed more.
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9781501876967_INT_90_92.indd 92 11/1/19 1:14 PM Daily Meditations | May 25–31 Lesson 8 | January 20
Monday | Numbers 11:24-29 When a scandalized Joshua told Moses that Eldad and Medad were daring to proclaim God’s message, Moses wished all God’s people were prophets. How do we react when we hear God’s truth outside what may or may not be the “official channels” for it? Free and living God, help me to recognize and welcome your Word wherever and from whomever I hear it.
Tuesday | Joel 2:28-32 The prophet interprets an infestation of locusts (1:3-4) as God’s judgment and as prelude to God’s “great and dreadful” final accomplishment of God’s purposes (2:31). God will make God’s Spirit manifest on an epic scale (verse 28), and faithful people will respond by committing themselves to God (verse 32). In troubling times, holy God, may your Spirit move me to call on and trust in your power alone.
Wednesday | Romans 8:12-17 For Paul, living by the Spirit meant living selflessly and bravely. God’s Spirit rescues us from self- centered worry and fear by confirming for us that we are God’s children, and as God’s daughters and sons, we are “heirs with Christ” of resurrection victory (verse 17). Loving God, may your Spirit strengthen my faith in Christ’s triumph, that I may live as his bold follower all my days.
Thursday | 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 The Holy Spirit unites us to believers in every time and in every place. God is not our private possession. Jesus is Lord of all who call on him (verse 2). Do you keep your fellow believers in your prayers? How do you support brother and sister Christians in other places? Keep me mindful, O God, of my bond, through your Spirit, to everyone who calls on the name of Christ.
Friday | 1 Timothy 2:1-7; John 3:16 The apostle declares God desires “all people to be saved” (verse 4), including those in high authority (verses 1-2). Do we pray that our leaders will conform to our will or to God’s? Sovereign God, grant all who are in positions of trust and responsibility a clear vision of your truth, made visible in your Son, Jesus.
Saturday | Acts 2:1-13 The spectacle of the Spirit’s arrival ought not distract us from the purpose: to propel Jesus’ followers into the world for the not-always-spectacular but always-critical work of proclaiming God’s saving love. Fill me again, Holy Spirit, with power and purpose to announce your mighty works in all I do and say.
Sunday | Acts 2:14-21 We may never have the chance, as Peter did, to witness to crowds of thousands about Jesus, but every chance we have to point even one person to him brings glory to God. Give me the words and deeds I need, good Lord, to communicate the saving love of Christ to those around me.
Key Verse: And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord { will be saved. (Acts 2:21)} www.AdultBibleStudies.com/MatureYears Spring 2020 93
9781501876967_INT_93_95.indd 93 11/1/19 1:15 PM Lesson 14 | May 31
THE HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRES JESUS’ FOLLOWERS Lesson: Acts 17:16, 22-34 • Background: Acts 17:16-34 When the original Star Trek TV series debuted over Luke gives no clue that Jesus’ disciples do anything but fifty years ago, viewers marveled at its depictions of take these phenomena in stride. After all, their risen far-future technology that, today, seems mundane: and ascended Lord promised he would soon pour out automatic sliding doors; palm-sized “communicators”; on them a powerful gift from heaven (Acts 1:8). lightning-fast, voice-activated computers. The only real astonishment we read about comes The show’s faster-than-light “warp speed” and from the Jewish residents of Jerusalem who originally hailed from other lands. They were amazed to hear its transporter for “beaming down” to strange new these Galileans “speaking in our native language[s]” worlds will likely always remain in the realm of science (2:6-8). Some prejudice against Galileans may be at fiction, but one piece of Trek tech seems tantalizingly play here, some assumption that these poor people close: the universal translator, by which Captain Kirk from a rural backwater wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, be and all manner of extraterrestrials could converse educated enough to be talking like this. There’s no with each other, never giving language gaps a second logical reason Jesus’ followers should be able to say thought. anything of substance in the native language of any of Real-life computer programmers and engineers the foreign locales listed in verses 9-11. have made strides toward universal translation. Right The “speaking in tongues” taking place on this now, you can enter text into Google Translate and get Day of Pentecost is not the ecstatic utterance in it back in one of more than one hundred languages—a angelic tongues the apostle Paul will later describe broad enough selection to cover ninety-nine percent of 1 (1 Corinthians 13:1; 14:2, 27-28), and which we the world’s online population, according to Google. may see later even in Acts (19:6). No, this “speaking Some apps go further, producing instant, on-the-spot in tongues” is the instantaneous ability to speak in translations of what you say via your smartphone’s a human language one does not know—not for the built-in microphone and speaker. sake of making small talk, but for making known “the How accurate these translations are is another mighty works of God” (2:11). matter. Author Benny Lewis, who is fluent in seven Pentecost was and still is a Jewish harvest festival languages, makes a persuasive case that smartphone usually called Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus apps will never be universal translators, and that 23:15-21).3 Later Jewish tradition also connected it marketing videos purporting to prove otherwise to God’s giving the Torah to Israel at Mount Sinai. “are only impressive if you don’t understand what is Both associations speak to God’s abundant generosity actually required for communication.”2 and grace: the gift of food to sustain the community, Lewis is talking about such critical factors as the gift of law to structure it. Perhaps these gifts are context, shades of meaning, even nonverbal elements among the “mighty works” the disciples recited before like gestures and body language. But the fact that Peter explained how Jesus of Nazareth’s crucifixion true communication happens even among people and resurrection reveal God’s latest “mighty work.” As who speak the same language is nothing short of with God’s gifts of the harvest and the law, this is a amazing. I recently heard a psychologist comment gift where much, including life, is at stake. Peter made that communication can go “off the rails” in at least the point by quoting and reinterpreting the prophet four places: the speaker’s mind, where thoughts are Joel’s words (2:21; see Joel 2:32): “everyone who calls formed; the speaker’s mouth, where those thoughts are on the name of the Lord will be saved” on “the great expressed; the listener’s ears, where those expressions and spectacular day of the Lord” (verses 20-21) by the are heard; and the listener’s mind, where what is risen Jesus, whom God has vindicated (verses 32-36). heard is interpreted. Given all that room for error, it’s If this life-saving message is to be heard by nothing short of miraculous we humans don’t fail to “everyone,” then some universal translation is in order! communicate more frequently! And so, God’s powerful Spirit reversed the linguistic In Acts 2, Luke describes a bona fide confusion from Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Now, among communication miracle. the multicultural and multi-language people God The sound “like the howling of a fierce wind” makes universal communication possible, so everyone (verse 2) and the sight resembling “individual flames may hear and have opportunity to respond to the news of fire” (verse 3) are remarkable enough, although of Jesus’ exaltation as Savior (see also Acts 4:12). 94 Christian Living in the Mature Years
9781501876967_INT_93_95.indd 94 11/1/19 1:15 PM Outside of Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, communication, as Peter andLesson the disciples 8 | January did on 20 I suspect the Holy Spirit remains vague, abstract, that Pentecost so long ago? Or do we try to muffle or and impersonal for many Christians. If anything, even mute the message because it challenges what we however, we should consider the Spirit very familiar thought we knew about God, and our place in God’s because the Spirit is the presence of God at work in ongoing mission? the world, invisible but as real and as knowable as Again quoting Joel, Peter says the Spirit causes the wind (John 3:8). We don’t need to hear and see the young to see visions and the old to dream dreams dramatic supernatural interventions like howling (2:17). May the Spirit continue to give us new visions winds and flickering flames to know the Spirit is living and dreams for communicating Jesus’ saving name to and active. We only need to look for those times and everyone in ways they can truly hear. places where God’s mighty, saving work in Jesus has been truly proclaimed and truly heard—where real communication of grace has, miraculously and against all odds, actually taken place. Whenever and wherever it has, the Holy Spirit has been busy. Note that even this miraculous communication doesn’t close off the possibility of rejection. Luke points out that some people in the Pentecost crowd scoffed at the whole business, dismissing it as drunken babbling (2:13), just as Jesus’ male apostles first dismissed the women’s Easter morning reports as “nonsense” (Luke 24:11). But our acceptance or rejection of the gospel does not measure the Spirit’s success. What it may measure, however, is how much we are or are not doing to get out of the Spirit’s way. 1. VentureBeat.com, “Google Translate now supports 103 languages, As Acts 2 illustrates, the Holy Spirit is strong and covering 99% of Internet users,” Emil Protalinski; February 17, 2016; https://venturebeat.com/2016/02/17/google-translate-now-supports-103- mighty—but we are still capable of quenching and languages-covering-99-of-internet-users/ suppressing the Spirit’s movement (1 Thessalonians 2. Fluent in 3 Months, “Why your smartphone will NEVER be a 5:19-21). The Spirit does not invade; the Spirit universal translator,” Benny Lewis; https://www.fluentin3months.com/ inspires. When the Spirit seeks to universally translate translator-app/# the good news about Jesus in new ways, do we make 3. The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. X, “The Book of Acts,” Robert W. Wall ourselves open and available to amplifying that (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), 53.
Maturing in Faith the pastor was asking morning attendees to come and “I love my church the way it is,” the woman told me. support the new service as it launched, and also to give She was talking about the old, established downtown gifts to help pay for the projection technology it would congregation she attended—a landmark in the use. neighborhood and long regarded as one of the pillars “I love my church the way it is,” the woman of its denomination, widely known for its formal, repeated, “and this new service isn’t what I find liturgical worship. For decades, she had found deep meaningful. But,” she added, calmly and deliberately, and rich meaning in this worship life. “I understand other people do. My own grandchildren But the congregation was aging, and “the younger do. And if I want the church I love to be here for folks”—by which she meant people like me, in my them, as it has always been here for me, I need to mid-forties or younger—wanted to experiment with support this new thing the church is doing.” a simpler, more casual worship style. The preacher She did not call it a new thing the Spirit was would pray extemporaneously, in everyday language. doing. But her mature response convinced me she The music would be led by a band with a guitar and understood the Spirit was stirring in her congregation, an electronic keyboard. And people would be expressly translating the Gospel into a language other people encouraged to come dressed in a relaxed fashion. could hear, and she was determined to do nothing to The traditional service would continue on Sunday quench the Spirit’s work. mornings with the new service in the evenings. But
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